A recent study reveals that married men in the US are taking on more household responsibilities, with a significant decrease in the time gap between men and women’s contributions to traditionally feminine tasks.
Married Men Are Taking on More Household Chores Than Ever Before
Historically, married women in the United States have shouldered the bulk of household responsibilities, including laundry, cooking, and cleaning. However, a recent study suggests that this traditional dynamic is slowly shifting.
According to data from the American Time Use Survey, between 2003 and 2023, the gap in time spent on traditionally feminine tasks by married women and men narrowed significantly. In 2003-2005, married women spent an average of 4.2 hours per week on these tasks for every 1 hour that men spent on them. By 2022-2023, this ratio had decreased to 2.5 hours for every 1 hour.
‘This is a hopeful story,’ says Melissa Milkie, a sociologist at the University of Toronto. ‘Men are doing more ‘women’s work’ than ever before.’
Men in committed relationships often exhibit a sense of responsibility and loyalty.
Studies show that they prioritize communication with their partner, making an effort to understand their needs and concerns.
Research also indicates that men in long-term relationships tend to be more emotionally expressive and empathetic than those who are single or in casual relationships.
Additionally, they often demonstrate a willingness to compromise and work through conflicts together.
The study found that while married women still spend significantly more time on household tasks overall, men have made notable gains in recent years. In 2003, for example, women devoted an average of 18.5 hours per week to all housework, compared with 10.1 hours spent by men. By 2023, these numbers had decreased to 17.7 and 11.2 hours respectively.
However, the researchers argue that looking at aggregate data can mask real progress. The study highlights a significant decrease in the time gap between married women and men when it comes to tasks such as shopping for groceries and other household needs. In fact, the authors suggest that this trend may indicate a broader shift in societal attitudes towards what constitutes ‘women’s work.’
The COVID-19 pandemic appears to have played a role in accelerating these changes. While everyone increased their time spent on household chores and childcare during the pandemic, men seemed to adapt more easily to new routines. By 2023, women had largely returned to pre-pandemic levels of housework, but men continued to contribute more equally.
It’s easy to view the slow pace of change as a cause for concern, but sociologist Mila Kolpashnikova argues that breaking down task types can reveal meaningful cultural shifts. ‘You can look at these changes as a glass-half-empty type of change,’ she says. ‘But you can also look at it as a glass-half-full type of change, as this paper shows.’
A cultural shift refers to a significant change in societal values, norms, and behaviors over time.
This phenomenon can be driven by various factors, including technological advancements, demographic changes, or social movements.
According to a study by the Pew Research Center, 64% of Americans believe that society is becoming more accepting of diversity.
The rise of social media has also contributed to cultural shifts, with platforms like Twitter and Instagram amplifying marginalized voices and promoting inclusivity.
- sciencenews.org | Married men are doing more cleaning and laundry than in the past
