Browsing by Subject "naistapaiset työt"

The purpose of this study was to research the division of work in families with children and the gender roles in everyday housework and the satisfaction of the parents with the prevailing division. In addition to that the agreements between parents on sharing housework were interesting to research. Previous studies have shown that the division of work between parents has an effect on the wellbeing of families (Paajanen, 2003; Korhonen, 2004). The following study questions were created to discover the central phenomena: 1) In which way do parents share housework in families with children? 2) How have the parents agreed on sharing housework? The hypothesis was that gender roles are seen in the division of work and that women do more housework than men. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used. 16 couples participated in the research and each couple had at least one child who goes to school. The inquiry was made by a half structured web questionnaire in May 2016. The material was analysed by a theoretical quantitative analysis which was completed with a qualitative analysis of the content. The research defined how 30 different chores and jobs were divided between parents and according to the results women did all housework more than men except for six chores. Gender could be seen in the division of work between spouses. 17 per cent of the parents informed that they had made agreements with their spouses. Some reasons for sharing work were eg. time, ability and interest. 90 per cent were satisfied with the division. The results resemble previous studies but this study shows how men nowadays participate more in taking care of their children. This result differs from previous researches. The study could be applied eg. in parent training in counselling bureau where parents are supported to manage in daily life and share responsibilities in new family situations. Future researches could be made about the impact of parents` socio economical status on sharing housework and about the impact of sharing on parents` happiness in their relationship. Other subjects of future studies could also be the division of responsibilities and housework in blended families and how children participate in housework.