Women's and Men's Constructions of Perceptions of Housework Fairness

Abstract

Much work on the perceived fairness of the division of housework focuses on what we consider pragmatic approaches (i.e., resources, time availability, and power), but nascent research articulates a more symbolic approach, examining relational meanings of house-work. We examine both perspectives simultaneously. Using the National Survey of Families and Households, we investigate how perceptions of housework fairness for men and women in heterosexual couples are affected by gender, time availability and the division of labor, individual resources and interdependence within the couple, gender and family attitudes, perceptions of the qualities of household labor, and partners' social interactions. Three critical findings suggest revisions for fairness perception studies. First, perceived housework qualities are as important for predicting fairness perceptions as any other factors. Second, perceived housework qualities are a stronger determinant of women's fairness perceptions than men's fairness perceptions. Third, social emotional independence within the couple also predicts perceived unfairness, but only for women. Women who perceive themselves as less dependent on their relationship are more likely to view the division of labor as unfair.