About

Sociologist Leah Ruppanner examines the persistent imbalance of the 'mental load', the often invisible cognitive and emotional labour required to keep households functioning and thriving.

She explains that although women who earn and work more tend to do fewer physical domestic tasks, these gains rarely reduce the responsibility for planning, organising and anticipating family needs. This hidden burden affects wellbeing, limits economic opportunity and reinforces structural inequalities.

Drawing on findings from her research and her new book, Drained, Ruppanner discusses how the mental load operates as a barrier to equality and why it remains resistant to change.

She explores the broader policy landscape, including measures that support shared caregiving, such as well-paid parental leave for fathers, flexible work arrangements and public awareness efforts that challenge traditional norms. She highlights how policy design can redistribute responsibility and promote more equitable family and work environments.

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Free to attend but booking is required.