Men and housework
Stereotypes about men and housework are widespread. Scharrer et al (2006) analyzed a week's worth of primetime commercials, and found that men doing housework were typically inept. De Ruijter et al. (2005) found that single men and women spent the same amounts on paying for "male" and "female" chores, except for dining expenses, where men paid more.
Knowles (2005) suggests that married men are doing more housework than they have in the past. South and Spitze (1994) found that widowed or divorced men do more housework than married or never-married men. South and Spitze also note that "an adult son living at home increases women's housework, whereas an adult daughter at home reduces housework for women and men." Sanchez (1994) notes that married couples value men's and women's contributions differently; male hours worked affects both male and female perceptions of "fairness" of labor division, but female hours worked affect only the female perception of fairness.
Robin Hanson's response to my question last week made me realize that I'd never investigated whether men's homes were really sloppier than women's homes. A careful reader will notice that I still haven't really presented any proof either way. It's surprisingly difficult to find any data on actual male and female home hygiene; the stereotypes are studied, but actual homes seem too difficult to assess.
My own housework habits range from pathetic (when I'm trying) to appalling (when I'm not). I was interested by the assertion in de Ruijter's paper that laundry was women's work. Laundry maintenance has usually struck me as a very gender neutral activity, and the division of laundry duties in mixed-sex households has been fairly even when I've noticed it.
Knowles (2005) suggests that married men are doing more housework than they have in the past. South and Spitze (1994) found that widowed or divorced men do more housework than married or never-married men. South and Spitze also note that "an adult son living at home increases women's housework, whereas an adult daughter at home reduces housework for women and men." Sanchez (1994) notes that married couples value men's and women's contributions differently; male hours worked affects both male and female perceptions of "fairness" of labor division, but female hours worked affect only the female perception of fairness.
Robin Hanson's response to my question last week made me realize that I'd never investigated whether men's homes were really sloppier than women's homes. A careful reader will notice that I still haven't really presented any proof either way. It's surprisingly difficult to find any data on actual male and female home hygiene; the stereotypes are studied, but actual homes seem too difficult to assess.
My own housework habits range from pathetic (when I'm trying) to appalling (when I'm not). I was interested by the assertion in de Ruijter's paper that laundry was women's work. Laundry maintenance has usually struck me as a very gender neutral activity, and the division of laundry duties in mixed-sex households has been fairly even when I've noticed it.