The male contribution towards domestic chores : perceptions of fairness among dual earner couples

Abstract

It is nowadays considered a trend to have women retain their jobs up until to the birth of their first child and to return to the labour market soon after maternity or parental leave. However, with regards to the separate spheres of home and work and the distinctively defined responsibilities of both genders, not much has changed. Besides being employees, the majority of women are also wives and mothers with domestic responsibilities to see to, when they return home from work. Men also have multiple roles as workers, husbands and fathers, but their equal contribution towards domestic chores is questionable. The aim of this study is to establish if men's contribution and participation in domestic chores and parenting are being equal to those of their respective wives or partners. Women often complain that the division of domestic chores is not shared equally between the couples. Most women complain that at the end of their paid work there is another full time job waiting for them at home and they describe it as never ending multi tasking work without pay. This study was conducted through a qualitative approach, using semi structured in-depth interviews as key collection tools. As a researcher I personally interviewed three married couples aged between 35 to 50 years of age. Each member of these three couples is engaged in the labour market. The research I aimed at establishing was whether social class reflects on the life style and way of thinking thus influencing the perception of equality towards domestic work. I also investigated if the upbringing and educational background of each participant in the interviews reflected upon the way they perceive the matter. The results of this small scale study cannot he generalised, since one of its limitations is, that it was confined to investigating just three case studies. However, my findings show that a positive shift and a radical transformation in the mentality of men has occurred throughout the years, since women joined the labour force. This research also confirms that women still do more housework than men, despite the fact that men comprehend the benefits of involving themselves and sharing domestic chores with their female partners. This study concludes that there are still invisible barriers which are blocking the acceleration of gender equality; such barriers can only be overcome through creating awareness and education.