By Carol Church, Writer, Family Album

Reviewed by Suzanna Smith, PhD, Department of Family, Youth, and Community Sciences, University of Florida

When you were growing up, did you help out at home by washing dishes, dusting, or vacuuming–or was it your task to mow the lawn or take out the trash? Parents often assign chores along traditional gender lines, so your answer may depend on whether you are male or female.

Chore Assignments and Gender

Of course, not every family does it this way. In fact, a new study finds, the way parents assign chores may have a lot to do with the mix of male and female children in the family–that is, how many boys and girls there are. A 2013 study found that these parental decisions, which might seem trivial at the time, may go on to influence men’s beliefs about gender roles later in their lives.

More Sisters = Fewer “Girl” Chores

Researchers tracked two different groups that included about 1200 adults. In the first group, children were asked about chore duties. The more sisters boys had, the fewer traditionally girl-identified chores they did. (On the other hand, families with all or mostly boys ended up having boys do more “girl” chores, probably out of necessity. ) When these boys with sisters grew up, they were more likely to hold traditional views on gender, such as agreeing that a “woman’s place is in the home.”

…And Less Egalitarian Beliefs

In the other group, men were interviewed four times between 1965 and 1997. Though this group was not asked about chores, men with more sisters again were more likely to believe hold more traditional views on gender toles. They also did less housework as married adults.

These researchers suggest that parents are more likely to assign chores along gender lines when there are more girls in the family. These (possibly somewhat accidental) choices could end up having larger effects later down the road, such as leading boys in these families to adopt more stereotyped views. Parents may want to keep these findings in mind when parenting sons and daughters–and when handing out jobs at home.

References:

Healy, A., & Malhotra, N. (2013). Childhood socialization and political attitudes: Evidence from a natural experiment. The Journal of Politics, 75(4), 1-15. doi: 10.1017/S0022381613000996

(Originally published in a slightly different form as: Church, C. (2013). Household chores and men’s later beliefs. [Radio broadcast episode]. Family Album Radio. Gainesville, FL: University of Florida.)

Photo Credits: Cathy Yeulet/Hemera/Thinkstock

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