Male Participation in Home Life: Impact of Social Supports and Breadwinner Responsibility on the Allocation of Tasks

Abstract

There is growing pressure on men to increase their participation in home life. As more and more women, particularly the mothers of young children, enter the labor force, there appears to be greater need for men to contribute to housework and childcare. This paper draws on intensive interview material with 25 Boston-area families to describe and explain the ambivalence of male response to this pressure. Because of men's different social support networks, they can obtain little moral support and logistical help in performing tasks around the house. Because men perceive paid employment as their primary contribution to the family, they are reluctant to acknowledge either that they need help in performing this function or have a responsibility to participate in the homemaking function.

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