Statistics Canada
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Quiz Answer
To the question: Today two-thirds of couples with preschool children are dual-earners. What was the corresponding figure three decades ago? A. Over a third, B. Just under a third, C. A quarter.
The correct answer is B: Three decades ago just under a third (31%) of couples with preschool children were dual-earners. This proportion has now more than doubled to reach 67%.
The proportion of dual-earners among couples with older children (youngest between 6 and 15) also climbed, from 45% to 77%.
Chart - Today the vast majority of couples with children are dual-earners
Source: Statistics Canada, Labour Force Survey.
One of the concerns associated with these family trends is the issue of work-life balance. About a quarter of men in dual-earner families with young children at home, and over a third of women, reported feeling severely time stressed.
Table - Today the vast majority of couples with children are dual-earners
Source: The family work week
