Recent Initiatives in Improving the Collection of Time-use Data for Measuring Work: Some Issues

Time-use data are expected to help in understanding and addressing critical socioeconomic concerns including gender inequalities in a country. The data also help in integrating gender into economic analysis and economic policy making to promote inclusive development. Against this rising demand for time-use data, the supply of quality time-use data is not coming forth, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The problems faced by developing countries are basically of two types: those related to survey design and its different components and those pertaining to the collection of time-use data. The first type of problem can be resolved largely by compiling a comprehensive guidebook by UNSD—which is already done. The second type of problem requires radical changes in time-use data collection methods. This paper presents the recommendations made by UN Women, UNSD, the World Bank, ILO, and other experts, and makes an assessment of these recommendations. The paper argues that a light time diary, recommended by these organizations does not particularly help in accessing quality time-use data. The paper recommends that though a time-use survey is a complex survey, particularly in a country where literacy is low, the survey is feasible if adequate care is taken by the National Statistical Office (NSO).