Essays on the Intra-Household Distribution of Wellbeing: Australian Mixed-Sex Couples at Key Life Course Stages

Abstract

This thesis provides an intra-household analysis on the distribution of wellbeing to better understand the experiences of both men and women – ensuring that economic analysis and policy better represents their interests. Detailed examinations are undertaken to identify how men’s and women’s subjective wellbeing is affected by changes in their work roles, by parenthood, and by retirement. The findings demonstrate gendered inequalities in wellbeing – thereby identifying the continued influence of gender norms within Australian households, often to the detriment of women’s wellbeing.