Cambodia Development Review   29 - 1

Parental Co-residence: A Catalyst for Women’s Employment Outcomes in Cambodia?


Published: 16-Jul-2025
Keyword: Parental co-residence, women’s employment outcome, labour force participation, childcare
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Abstract/Summary

Co-residence with parents may decrease domestic or childcare responsibilities for women when their parents share household duties; however, the reverse may happen as parents age, leading to increased domestic responsibilities when older parents require more care. In our study, using the General Population Census of Cambodia 2019, we investigate how co-residence with parents is associated with women’s occupational choices and how this relationship changes with parents’ age. We present two findings. First, women living with their parents are more likely to start businesses or work in paid employment, and less likely to be homemakers or economically inactive. Second, women who live with older parents are more likely to become self-employed or economically inactive, and less likely to work in paid employment. Albeit much smaller, we find a similar change in employment outcomes among men. We present several policy implications. First, policymakers should examine whether domestic work prevents women from joining the labour force and consider time-saving interventions that are proven to boost femaleled business performance. Next, employers should offer flexible work arrangements to help women balance caregiving responsibilities. Lastly, the government should invest in expanding caregiving initiatives.




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