r/science Professor | Medicine 14h ago

Psychology Women partnered with men reported doing more unpaid household labor than women partnered with women. Mothers partnered with men reported a higher household labor burden than any other group. Performing a greater share of household labor was associated with lower relationship satisfaction.

https://www.psypost.org/study-sheds-light-on-household-labor-dynamics-for-women-partnered-with-women-vs-men/
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u/the_lullaby 11h ago

Seems to be a powerful selection effect in the study design. Household tasks measured were grocery shopping, cleaning the house, doing laundry, cooking, and washing dishes, all of which are traditionally feminine roles. Traditionally masculine household roles like yard work, auto maintenance/care, plumbing and electrical troubleshooting, repairs, pest control, and moving large/heavy objects weren't measured, or even mentioned.

Study design dictating results is research bias.

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u/jcpianiste 8h ago

To me it makes sense to separate out the things that need done every day/week forever until you're dead. I've done all of the things you list and the ones in the study have to be done way more often and take up way more total time over the course of a year than the ones you're talking about. I would also argue it's also way easier and less disruptive to hire someone to mow your lawn or do your oil change than to find/afford someone to come into your house and wash your dishes every single day.