Work-life equality: The importance of a level playing field at home

Abstract

The division of household labor is important as women continue to enter the workforce in increasing numbers. It is one of the greatest sources of conflict and dissatisfaction among married couples. In fact, almost a quarter of women and men report the division of household chores as a key factor in divorce; currently nearly double the percentage reported in the 1950s and 1960s. Importantly, the gender gap in the reporting of division of labor problems is increasing, with women reporting greater problems than men. Although men and women increasingly participate at similar rates in the workforce, and although women hold half of managerial and professional jobs, little appears to have changed at home in the U.S. as women continue to perform more housework than men. Therefore, whether paid or unpaid, both inside and outside of the home, the division of housework has important implications for working families. The goal of this chapter is to demonstrate that the way in which couples divide paid work and housework is significantly guided by gender norms has significant implications for the upward mobility of women in the workforce while placing tension and jeopardizing the health and well-being of individuals and families. The chapter also discusses specific implications for both the work and family domains.