Housework

And the December issue of The Atlantic states that

men whose wives out earn them actually do a smaller share of housework than their breadwinner peers.

Oh yes, I have anecdotal evidence in spades that confirms this observation. It is obvious why this happens. Men’s primary gender identification still comes from financial and professional success. If their partner is doing better in these areas, they often try to protect their manliness by avoiding what they see as women’s work.

This will, of course, change but not immediately.

4 thoughts on “Housework

    1. Just today I read an article that listed the percentage of people who “think men should do the dishes and perform other household chores.” To me, this sounds as bizarre as “people who think dark-haired people should do the dishes.” But if the question gets asked, this must mean there are folks who feel it makes sense.

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      1. I get people who respond to things I say in terms of truisims that are best platitudes to make themselves feel wiser. One said that all men view their sexuality as a tool of dominance. But this kind of response to something I have said that was carefully thought through and not at all to do with “this will always be this way and this is just how they are” leaves a lot to be desired. People seem programmed only to hear what they think they already know. Even when you are criticising something, most people seem to desire a journey inward to do some deeper soul-searching or conscience inquisition rather than address the facts as they are. It has to be all about them.

        And behold! Nobody takes the time to address issues like THIS one either:

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  1. I suppose you’re right about financial and professional success. But my theory is that through the ages, men evolved to excel at two occupations: hunter & warrior. I don’t know where that leaves us.

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