Rosters: Freedom, responsibility, and co‐operation in young adult shared households

Abstract

ObjectiveThe rationale for this study was to contribute to understanding the social dynamics of shared housing among young adults. Sharing is an informal socio‐economic contract, in which financially challenged individuals pragmatically divide household costs and duties. Whereas monetary contributions can be monitored, physical labour is more difficult to assess with housework cited as a major source of conflict.MethodDiscursive psychology was employed to analyse talk of experiences of New Zealand house sharers aged 20 to 35.ResultsWhile rosters have been mooted as the safest way to overcome problems of housework division, findings indicate that young adults are resistant to formal rules and rosters, considering them ineffective and compromising personal autonomy. Freedom is maintained by adopting organic rules, which provide structure. With responsibility and co‐operation, households are orderly on their own terms.ConclusionNo particular formula guarantees success. Positive payoffs can be achieved for all by communication and mutually agreed strategies.

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