More Men Go For The Mop

   By drodriguez  Apr 10, 2008
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As women, we have seen our fair share of battles (some still being fought) on the road to equality for our gender. One battle in particular hits many of us close to home, actually in our homes. If you guessed the unequal division of housework and chores, you are probably already all too familiar with this issue.

A new study released from the Council on Contemporary Families sheds some new light on this dark and dirty topic. The Council reports that since the 1960's men's contributions to household tasks has doubled from about 15 percent to over 30 percent. It is also reported that today's full or part-time employed married woman in the U.S. now does two hours less housework than in 1965.

Even more encouraging is the dramatic increase we have seen in men’s contributions to childcare. The Council reports that men have tripled the amount of time they spend caring for their children since the mid 1960’s. Women have also made a big leap in this department, doubling their time spent with their children from 1965 to 2003. The Council on Contemporary Families explains the mutual increase by saying that it “appears to be related to higher standards for both mothers and fathers about spending time with children.”

The Council also believes that this trend of men helping out more at home will continue as more and more women join the workforce. And this is good news for our marriages too. According to the study, couples that have more of an equal division of labor are less likely to divorce.

What do you think of the new findings that men are helping out more at home?

Do you see these types of changes happening in your home with your spouse?

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mamacat83 by mamacat83 | Chatham, IL
Apr 16, 2008

I feel very blessed to have a husband that has accepted more responsibility for the care of our home and children as our lives together have progressed. It's been a slow maturity, but it's still progress. I'm by no means able to get him to clean a toilet or scrub the shower but he does his share of dishes, laundry, and mopping.

BTYBOOPERS by BTYBOOPERS | HAMMOND, IN
Apr 15, 2008

I AGREE WITH LUSADI THAT I FEEL IT IS PRIMARILY MY RESPONSIBILITY AS A STAY HOME MOM, BUT IF YOU BREAK IT ALL DOWN, OUR JOB NEVER ENDS. I WISH I COULD PUT IN MY 8 HOURS AND BE DONE FOR THE DAY, HAVE FOOD MADE FOR ME, KICK UP MY FEET AND RELAX NO WORRIES. NOT THAT I MIND DOING THE MAJORITY OF THE WORK AROUND THE HOUSE BUT SHOW A LITTLE RESPECT FOR WHAT I DO AND DONT JUST WALK IN AND MESS UP THINGS BECAUSE YOU FEEL, WELL, I DONT HAVE TO CLEAN IT UP. APPRECIATE WHAT I DO AND MAYBE GIVE ME A DAY OFF!

fairy73 by fairy73 | Spring Hill, FL
Apr 15, 2008

my husband helps out with about 50% of the housework he helps fold the laundry and reloads the dishwasher and also washes and drys the clothes while i'm at work he is such a big help the only thing he wont do is dust unless its the t.v

Tracee by Tracee | Shakopee, MN
Apr 15, 2008

I have four children and it is not possible for me to do everything. My husband probably does 40% of the housework. He does alot of dishes, mopping, and pickup, but when it comes to detailed work like cleaning the fridge he wont do it.

jca_82 by jca_82 | WARNER ROBINS, GA
Apr 14, 2008

I saw this topic on tv one time and told my husband about it and he said "well.. those are for couple who are both working". I am a stay at home mom and has a 2 year old son. I just sometimes feel like even I am "stay at home mom", my husband should atleast try to help a little like pick-up things around the house no matter who did the mess or maybe atleast refill the toilet tissues in the bathroom or vacum the floor for me once in a while. Am I wrong feelin' this way?

sweetheartkoala by sweetheartkoala | Macks Creek, MO
Apr 13, 2008

I agree with Tochedbyaangel. I working and my husband takes care of the house for me. It is so nice to after driving 1 1/2 hours from work to have dinner ready. I'm also blessed with a husband who spoils me.

touchedbyaangel by touchedbyaangel | Powell, TN
Apr 12, 2008

I meant house, not hose..lol

touchedbyaangel by touchedbyaangel | Powell, TN
Apr 12, 2008

I am blessed, My husband retired and I still work, I come home, the hose is clean and dinner is ready:)

Lusadi by Lusadi | Wasilla, AK
Apr 12, 2008

I think that someone should tell my husband! However, as a stay at home mom, I feel that the house is primarily my responsibility. It is enough for me that he will do the dishes sometimes on his days off. It would be nice if he would pick up after himself a bit more. Maybe someday!