Husbands' and Wives' Satisfaction with the Division of Labor

Abstract

A sample of dual-employed couples is used to explore the causes of satisfaction with and arguments over the division of household labor. It is found that husbands are most satisfied with an equitable division of labor especially if their number of hours spent in household chores is not large. Wives by contrast seem to be most satisfied if the division of family work favors them. Wives satisfaction is not affected by the total number of hours spent in household chores but they are more content if their husbands share womens traditional chores. Husbands and wives do not agree about how often they argue over the division of labor. Men only perceive that arguments occur more frequently if they are dissatisfied with the current division. Women feel that arguments occur more frequently if they or their husbands are dissatisfied or if particular chores are shared. (authors)

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