Mind the Gap: Gender Differences in Household Payment Tasks

Abstract Gender gaps are widespread. The world of payments is no exception as our research using novel survey data from Dutch households, collected from 24 November to 31 December 2023, demonstrates. Specifically, we study the division of payment tasks within households and the associated factors. Men are more involved in paying housing-related costs, whereas women tend to be in charge of grocery payments. Differences in experience with digital payment methods, self-assessed fraud knowledge, and digital and financial literacy lie at the heart of these payment tasks gender gaps. This division of tasks in turn explains the greater financial decision-making power of men within households. To differentiate between gender and task specialization effects we show that payment tasks are divided more equally in same-sex households than in opposite-sex households. Our research underscores the importance of policies aimed at improving fraud knowledge, digital literacy, and financial literacy, especially among women. Additionally, people can be made more aware of the impact of traditional gender roles.