Cognitive labor

Cognitive labor or the third shift^[1] is sociological and feminist concept referring to the invisible mental work many women do in relationships and families.^[2] It is related to invisible labor, emotional labor, and unpaid work^[3] while emphasizing the cost of planning, organizing, scheduling, managing and worrying, in addition to "executing."^[4][5] The distribution of cognitive labor falls disproportionately on women.^[6] Handling the majority of cognitive labor is a burden that prevents women from pursuing opportunities or achieving greater health and happiness.^[7] A recommendation for balancing cognitive labor is making it more explicit and visible.^[8]

Cognitive labor is the mental planning, organizing, and scheduling side of invisible labor, done mostly by women.