The diversity of characteristics in strong and weak family ties and its implication in the differences in the time people spend in childcare activities.

Abstract: In general, what affects the time allocation of people is well researched area. But when we think about the time engaged in childcare activities in terms of the differences between strong and weak family ties nations, we come across to less researched field that need more analysis. Using the Multinational Time Use Surveys information for Germany, United Kingdom, Italy and Spain for years between 2000 and 2002, the aim of this study is to examine if there are differences between what influence the families in the strong and in the weak ties countries when it comes to allocating time to children. The results suggest that there are variations between the two groups in terms of time, gender equality, demographic and social economic characteristics of the people. While those differences affect the family relations, they also have implications on the economic policies and situation of the country.