10. The Unequal Distribution of Familial and Domestic Responsibilities is Still a Fact
Dominguez Folgueras, Marta
10. The Unequal Distribution of Familial and Domestic Responsibilities is Still a Fact - 2014.
9
In order to understand fully how domestic responsibilities are currently distributed between the sexes, this paper uses the data collected in most European states about the different “timetables” followed by couples. These data are similar enough from one country to another to enable us to draw accurate comparisons across states and for different periods. The main result is that, despite women entering the labor market and technology making huge progress over the past few decades, women are still in charge of most domestic chores, even if statistically significant differences can be observed across different countries. What is most important is not so much the quantity of chores as the quality of the chores that are accomplished—their being more masculine or feminine. Indeed, women are mostly responsible for cleaning the house and cooking for the family, while “leisure” activities such as gardening and home improvements are the domain of men. Although it can be observed that domestic responsibilities are much more likely to be shared equally in young and unmarried couples, and those in which the woman has a greater degree of education, the most important factor seems to be the presence of children, especially young children. The economic theory of a rational calculation of domestic production fails to explain why, even in couples where the woman has a better position than her partner in the labor market, partners continue to abide by the traditional roles. Gender studies help us understand more fully how primary socialization leads children to accept playing a gendered role when they grow up, and therefore reproduces the traditional model that still prevails throughout Europe.
10. The Unequal Distribution of Familial and Domestic Responsibilities is Still a Fact - 2014.
9
In order to understand fully how domestic responsibilities are currently distributed between the sexes, this paper uses the data collected in most European states about the different “timetables” followed by couples. These data are similar enough from one country to another to enable us to draw accurate comparisons across states and for different periods. The main result is that, despite women entering the labor market and technology making huge progress over the past few decades, women are still in charge of most domestic chores, even if statistically significant differences can be observed across different countries. What is most important is not so much the quantity of chores as the quality of the chores that are accomplished—their being more masculine or feminine. Indeed, women are mostly responsible for cleaning the house and cooking for the family, while “leisure” activities such as gardening and home improvements are the domain of men. Although it can be observed that domestic responsibilities are much more likely to be shared equally in young and unmarried couples, and those in which the woman has a greater degree of education, the most important factor seems to be the presence of children, especially young children. The economic theory of a rational calculation of domestic production fails to explain why, even in couples where the woman has a better position than her partner in the labor market, partners continue to abide by the traditional roles. Gender studies help us understand more fully how primary socialization leads children to accept playing a gendered role when they grow up, and therefore reproduces the traditional model that still prevails throughout Europe.
Réseaux sociaux