GENDER ANALYSIS OF TIME USE PATTERN AMONG CHILDREN IN ONDO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study was undertaken to determine the gender analysis of time use pattern among children in Ondo State, Nigeria. It specifically ascertained the socio-economic characteristics of children and their households examined the variety of activities available for children, compute time children used in the various activities, determined differences in time use pattern along gender line and identified factors influencing time use pattern among children in the study area. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to purposively select children between the ages of 5 to 17 years from two Local Government Areas which are Owo Local Government (Emure and Okeowo) and Akure South Local Government (Ipinsa and Oke-aro) and structured interview scheduled was administered on them. Data collected from 140 respondents were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics such as multiple regressions, Pearson Product Moment Correlation, Chi square and Analysis of Variance at 0.05 level of significance. Results from the study show that the mean age of household heads was 45 years. Majority (77.1%) of the household heads were males, mostly married (81.4%) and with a mean household size of 5 people. They live on a mean monthly income of ₦55,000. Most (64.3%) of them were literates. The mean age of the children was 11 years. More (25.0%) of the children of the children were in senior secondary school. At p ≤ 0.05, female children significantly spent more time (5hours, 33 minutes) in household work activities than male children (3 hours, 15 minutes). At p ≤ 0.05, female children significantly spent more time in personal care (7 hours, 4 minutes) than male children (6 hours, 54 minutes). There were no significant time differences spent by both genders on social/religious activities as well as in educational activities. For sports/leisure/media use activities, male children significantly spent more time (5 hours, 5 minutes) than their female counterparts (3 hours, 19 minutes). In agricultural activities, male children significantly spent more time (3 hours, 45 minutes) than their female counterparts (2 hours). Multiple regression