Arrangements and rules of distribution of burdens and duties: the case of household chores

Abstract

Two studies explored the arrangements and rules which are used in the division of household tasks and their frequencies of use with different kinds of tasks. In addition, the studies analysed justice evaluations of the arrangements and rules and the covariation of justice ratings with different kinds of tasks, gender, and relative size of raters' own contributions to the household labour. Data were obtained from two different types of household systems: households of students sharing flats and family households with adolescent children. Eight different arrangements and rules were distinguished. The frequencies of use differed significantly and were influenced by considerations of practicability, usefulness and efficiency. The justice ratings were guided by the ideal of an equal allocation of labour and additionally shaped by functional considerations of applicability and usefulness, and self-serving tendencies.

Positive distinctiveness and social discrimination: An old couple living in divorce

“…Unfortunately the direction of this influence is far from unequivocal. In the same context it appears interesting and promising that Gerold Mikula in his own research on justice orientations is now also facing the problem of negative burdens or duties (Mikula, 1993).…”

The division of labor in close relationships: An asymmetrical conflict issue

“…Also, an unequal division of housework is more likely to cause distress and conflict than an unequal division of child care. Housework is generally rather disliked, often regarded as a burden or duty (Mikula et al, 1997), and people tend to prefer doing less rather than doing more (Kluwer et al, 1996). Child-care tasks tend to be more pleasant and rewarding than housework.…”

“…People are committed to their past decisions and often believe that past alternatives have been chosen wisely (Schweitzer, 1994). Also, regulations that have been used in the past are frequently perceived as just (Mikula et al, 1997).…”

Children's Evaluations of Gender-Stereotypic Household Activities in the Family Context

“…Although much of this early research focused on the roles of men and women in the household and the exploration of gender-related inequalities (Hawkins, Marshall, & Allen, 1998;Mikula, Freudenthaler, Brennacher-Kroll, & Schiller-Brandl, 1997;Robinson & Milkie, 1998;Sabbatini & Leaper, 2004; for reviews, see Coltrane, 2000;Mikula, 1998), there is a scarcity of research on young children's views about the division of chores in the home (Bowes, Flanagan, & Taylor, 2001;Goodnow, Bowes, Warton, Dawes, & Taylor, 1991; see also Goodnow, 1998Goodnow, , 2004. Recently, Goodnow and her colleagues proposed a relational models approach, which calls for understanding the different and complex vantage points in the context of family and the division of labor and for understanding the developmental viewpoint (Goodnow, 2004).…”