What is your opinion on this quote?

Question

“Despite progress over the past two decades, employed women continue to do between 70 and 80 percent of all housework including most of the repetitive chores, laboring from dawn to dusk and beyond.” (O’Reilly & Abbey, 2000).
Thoughts?

Answer 1

My opinion? Perhaps this is due in part to our brain differences, since we can't seem to shake it. Gen X guys are the first "test" generation, and they may be incredibly sweet and sensitive, but once the children come, they are NOT doing half of the housework. This is because they are guys, not because no one "trained" them. Most guys just don't know what needs to be done. They may be happy to *share* the chorelist - somewhat - but they can't *write* the chorelist.

Any economist will tell you that *specialization* is more efficient. In our household, I specialize in running the house and the parenting, and he specializes in making money. That's not to say we won't each pitch in as needed to the "other" category, but we find dividing up the work this way is far more efficient.

Many mothers will tell you that their hearts and minds are always at home home with their children, even when they are out working for pay. Many men will tell you, "I've worked super-hard all day; Now I should be able to relax". Perhaps it's time to drop this silly notion of men and women being identical and equally suited to every aspect of life and actually *listen*. These guys aren't jerks, unless the working moms daydreaming about their babies are airheads. They are just MEN and WOMEN!

Answer 2

Yes, it does happen. I've worked doing part-time work(up to 25 hours a week) and still would do everything around the house, and while housework is easier thanks to men's inventions of greater washing machines and what-not, there's still an awful lot of washing to be done, hung out, taken in, etc, and alot of scrubbing to do. I even have to mop the ceiling, because it gets mold all over it, that's a really fun job,lol.
But, slowly I have been enlisting the help of my kids and my hubby is helping out more. A woman/mother is no good to anyone is she is worn down by being a martyr. Of course, because hubby is the bread winner, I don't expect much of him, he just helps out sometimes and I am grateful :)

Answer 3

Well, in point of actual fact, I personally consider the statement to be far more of a truism than an affirmation of an urban myth. Women still do the 'Lioness's' share of the house work. One of the 'mane' reasons for this is the simple moot point that They want to get it done properly the first time around.

Answer 4

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Answer 5

Yes, I've seen these statistics in several other places as well, even among couples who both work full-time jobs. (How typical that everyone immediately bellows, "But I bet she's only working part-time, the lazy woman!" What a load of crap.)

Yep. The mothers are still expected to do most of the messy and labor-intensive parts of parenting (feeding, cleaning); the fathers get to "play" with the kids.

Answer 6

I'm not sure if this would be true for everyone, but in my situation, I did more of the housework than my husband simply because I cared more about it. He honestly wouldn't mind living in a dirty house, so he sees no reason to clean. That was back before we had a child. Now that I am a full time mother, it is my job to do most of the housework. (Just like it is his job to earn money.)

Answer 7

Deidre, that's what KIDS are for!!! LOL!!!


(just be careful when letting them cook, that is, unless you happen to like Oreo sandwiches for dinner!)


P.S. For the working ladies who want your hubby to pitch in more, just do what I did. STOP picking up after him. Period. I know its hard leaving the underwear on the floor with treadmarks on 'em, but hey, you are NOT his mother NOR his maid. Our house rule is, if you get it out put it back, if you mess it up clean it up. I refuse to be a nag, and will only request you clean up after yourself ONE TIME. That one time is loud enough to wake the dead, with a few swear words thrown in for effect, "Pick your s.hit up NOW"!!!

Answer 8

I disagree with it, and I'm only drawing that conclusion based on what I have seen around me and my circle of friends and family. This may be true in third world countries, but I don't believe this to be the case in the West. Not to deny the fact that women still do more than men at home (by default), but I would put the percentage at 60/40.

Answer 9

Actually the latest reports are that women do about 21 hours of homework to mens almost 8 hours. Thats when both have a full time job.

As for the housework being womens work - no its adult work. and how could anyone say they were strong and independent if they couldn't wash their own dishes, or clothes, or make their own bed.

Answer 10

I think that's probably true. Times are changing, though, it's been a very slow process and still things aren't at an ideal standard...hopefully we are still moving toward equality. Despite what some may think, we're not there yet.