Household Labor

Research Paper # 63955

Gender and Sexuality > Gender Studies
Sociology

Household Labor

An analysis of relationship satisfaction as correlated to perceptions of the division of household labor.

3,005 words () | 15 sources | MLA | 2005 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how household labor, the work that must be completed to maintain family members and the home, continues to consume a significant amount of time, especially for females. In particular, it looks at how more significant than total time is one's perception of inequity within the division of household labor. Research is conducted on heterosexual cohabiting couples residing in Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey. In order to investigate this matter, a survey packet that includes a demographic information survey, the Relationship Assessment Scale, the Division of Tasks Scale and questions addressing perceptions of equity in the division of household labor is utilized.

Outline
Introduction
Methods
Results
Discussion

From the Paper:

"Much research has examined the division of labor within households over the course of decades. Erickson found that although many may declare housework inconsequential, if not obsolete, with the need for two incomes, research suggests that household labor continues to consume a considerable amount of time, particularly for women (1993). Housework is defined in a variety of ways, but most often as the unpaid work that must be completed in order to maintain family members and the home or residence according to Shelton & John (1996). Regardless of sex, any individual can function as a homemaker, but in the United States, this role is customarily fulfilled by women. Davies & Carrier found that the division of household labor is more a reflection of beliefs about what a male and female should do, as opposed what they could do, their actual capabilities (1999)."