Final answer:
Childcare responsibilities are predominantly shouldered by women regardless of whether they work outside the home or not, often referred to as the "second shift." This situation affects economic participation and contributes to issues like the feminization of poverty, with policies such as child care subsidies aimed at easing the burden.
Step-by-step explanation:
Childcare today is done mostly by women, no matter the working situation. The burden of child care and other carework costs are significant factors that impact economic participation globally. This dynamic plays a notable role in shaping labor force participation, particularly in countries like Egypt, where the cost of working outside the home may not outweigh the expenses incurred.
In historical context, the traditional roles have seen a shift, especially after the Industrial Revolution, when gender roles diverged significantly.
While policies such as child care subsidies and early education programs aim to alleviate some of these concerns, women often continue to shoulder a disproportionate share of child-rearing tasks, which affects their ability to participate fully in the labor market.
The struggle for a more egalitarian balance in both family and work life continues, as dual-earner marriages become more common and society's expectations slowly evolve.