Gender Equality in the Homes?Err...whats that says the man!

What women's movement? Wives and partners STILL do 82 per cent of housework

By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 6:04 PM on 12th October 2010

Women have fought hard for equality but a staggering 82 per cent still do the housework in their home, according to a revealing new study into Britain's cleaning habits.

Just eight per cent of husbands and boyfriends pull their weight when it comes to household chores, figures show.

More than a third of young adults aged under 24 admit they rely on their parents to clean up after them, while two per cent of Brits pay a professional cleaner.
No excuse: 15 per cent of men describe cleaning as 'too much hard work'

No excuse: 15 per cent of men describe cleaning as 'too much hard work'

Although men do much less round the home it would seem they are hard task masters with a third insisting 'I like my house to be clean at all times'.

The fact 15 per cent of men describe cleaning as 'too much hard work' provides some insight into why they pass the buck when it comes to housework.

And women feel that, even in this day and age, the cleanliness of their home reflects on them with half saying they get embarrassed when it isn't clean and refuse to accept visitors.

At one end of the spectrum, one in eight Brits don't allow people to wear shoes in their home, while one in ten admit they simply don't care if others think their house is dirty.

The Cleaner Living study by domestic appliance manufacturer Miele revealed a host of cleaning errors we make and ways in which we try to hide the dirt away.

Twenty seven per cent of us have turned over a cushion to hide a stain, twelve per cent have covered a stained carpet with a piece of furniture and five per cent have swept dirt under a rug.

Four in ten admit they have simply swept dirt from a kitchen surface or table onto the floor, while a quarter have used a dish cloth to mop up a spillage on the floor and just put it back.

A mucky four per cent have even used a dish cloth to clean pet bowls and then continued to use it for washing up.

Relationship expert Phillip Hodson, spokesman for the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy, said many men still regard traditional housework as 'women's work'.

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* Now men lose out from gender divide: Women ‘ahead on health and job security’

He said: 'Many men see putting oil in the car or changing a light bulb as doing their bit around the house but still see cooking and cleaning as women's work.

'You're more likely to learn certain skills if you are female yet no adult can really call themselves mature unless they can feed themselves.

'Some men's laziness and their lack of identification with housework is definitely a problem.

'There's no excuse for not being able to use a washing machine or cook when men can read or install Windows 7 on their computer.

'One of the problems is men usually seek more adrenaline-fuelled activities and housework is just a slog.

'Women have a stronger nesting instinct and so will naturally do the cleaning when men don't bother.

'But if women did nothing and men felt the consequences of their inaction - for example if they don't have any clean shirts to wear - things would soon change.'

The Miele study found many Brits only give their house a superficial 'once-over' rather than a proper clean.
'There's no excuse for not being able to use a washing machine or cook when men can read or install Windows 7 on their computer'

One in five clean their bathroom at most once a month and 12 per cent leave dirt to build up in their kitchen for at least a month. A quarter don't even wash up every day.

In contrast, a houseproud 44 per cent of us scrub the bathroom every day and 28 per cent do the same in the kitchen.

One in ten Glaswegians admitted never cleaning the toilet and 13 per cent of those in Edinburgh never clean their oven, according to the study.

Cardiff would seem to be the cleanest city with one in ten people cleaning their bathroom on a daily basis, followed by 22 per cent of Mancurians who clean the toilet every day.

One in five delude ourselves by thinking that if our house looks clean, then it is clean, while one in ten admit they have an 'out of sight, out of mind' attitude to dirt.

TV hygiene expert Dr Lisa Ackerley said the study shows many people do not ensure their homes are properly clean.

She said: 'There is definitely a mentality of not doing housework properly or avoiding it altogether.

'The Miele Cleaner Living study found people on average spend less than 30 minutes cleaning their kitchen or bathroom which is not enough time to eliminate all the dirt and bacteria lurking.

'Brits might be houseproud, but it seems very few people have a "spotless home".'

Nicky Youngjohns, of Miele, suggested high-tech appliances which appeal to gadget lovers may tempt men to do more housework.

She said: 'People today don't have enough time on their hands, and finding the time for household chores is difficult.

'Although many women are out working there is still an element of tradition when it comes to the home and a divide in who does the chores.

'However, new household appliances are becoming more features-led and consequently have great appeal for gadget-lovers.

'With appliances such as cordless vacuum cleaners, dishwashers that sense how dirty crockery is and intelligent ovens which smell when dinner is cooked, there's really no excuse for men not to pull their weight.'

Comments

Typical of men huh. Too lazy to do house chores!

Your own soul is nourished when you are kind; it is destroyed when you are cruel.

Not really laziness.

If the woman can do everything then why bother Blum 3

MuslimBro wrote:
Not really laziness.

If the woman can do everything then why bother Blum 3


:roll:

But maybe they don't get asked to do them, and the women believe or prefer to do the housework themselves, too.

Or does it say otherwise in the article? (i didn't bother reading it since from the daily mail)

"How many people find fault in what they're reading and the fault is in their own understanding" Al Mutanabbi

ThE pOwEr Of SiLeNcE wrote:
(i didn't bother reading it since from the daily mail)

??

i started reading but then it was too many numbers so my eyes went like this >.<
hmm...not really fair...but...i think i know where to draw the line. I'd say i live more by "segragated gender roles" but the line isnt drawn and its always nice when you swap.

ohh well..i aint married yet (damn..that previous para sounds like i am doesnt it?) so i'll worry when it comes to it.

but this is how it goes with my parents. Mum cooks, dad does the DIY and that. Dad gardens.
bathroom cleaning: whoever is available.
I do the hoover...or my mum, thats my dad's weakness..him and hoovers...he takes SO long doing it me or mum just snatch it out of his hands...
sometimes dad cooks but it hasnt happened in ages.

but i think its not just about gender. Age matters too. (im the eldest, hence dad taught me all the DIY stuff, brother is second youngest, doesnt do much at home...wonders how it'll be when we're all relatively "growed-up", should be quite interesting) Dad not guetting younger, so sometimes i do the stuff he should be doing, but most of the kids do that.

Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?

82% of women do housework... 8% of men do it too... that adds up to 90%. Who does the other ten percent?

"For too long, we have been a passively tolerant society, saying to our citizens 'as long as you obey the law, we will leave you alone'" - David Cameron, UK Prime Minister. 13 May 2015.

Lilly wrote:
ThE pOwEr Of SiLeNcE wrote:
(i didn't bother reading it since from the daily mail)

??


It's a tabloid, which generally chats rubbish. If you want to read something good, pick up 'the independent'! Blum 3

You wrote:
Who does the other ten percent?

kids?

"How many people find fault in what they're reading and the fault is in their own understanding" Al Mutanabbi

you wanna tell me the difference between tabloids and broadsheets? i always forget...

Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?

Tabloids - Small in size, gossipy, tacky etc
Broadsheet - tend to be big in size, serious, real news, more sophisticated etc

"How many people find fault in what they're reading and the fault is in their own understanding" Al Mutanabbi

so independant is broadsheet? JAZAKALLAH KHAIR!!!!

Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?

Lilly wrote:
so independant is broadsheet?
yep, a broadsheet with generally no political allegiance, hence the name.

"How many people find fault in what they're reading and the fault is in their own understanding" Al Mutanabbi

Never shoot the messenger - look at the message and if there are problems there, it is better to show flaws in the message.

"For too long, we have been a passively tolerant society, saying to our citizens 'as long as you obey the law, we will leave you alone'" - David Cameron, UK Prime Minister. 13 May 2015.

You wrote:
Never shoot the messenger - look at the message and if there are problems there, it is better to show flaws in the message.

true

"How many people find fault in what they're reading and the fault is in their own understanding" Al Mutanabbi

You wrote:
82% of women do housework... 8% of men do it too... that adds up to 90%. Who does the other ten percent?

Hmmm maybe the children? Or other family members? Or they do get professional cleaners also!

Your own soul is nourished when you are kind; it is destroyed when you are cruel.

It's a tabloid, which generally chats rubbish. If you want to read something good, pick up 'the independent'! Blum 3

Hmmm thats true to some extent..but the tabloid also discusses things which broadsheet doesnt. So theres a point there for tabloids!

Your own soul is nourished when you are kind; it is destroyed when you are cruel.

Lilly wrote:
ThE pOwEr Of SiLeNcE wrote:
(i didn't bother reading it since from the daily mail)

??

i started reading but then it was too many numbers so my eyes went like this >.<
hmm...not really fair...but...i think i know where to draw the line. I'd say i live more by "segragated gender roles" but the line isnt drawn and its always nice when you swap.

ohh well..i aint married yet (damn..that previous para sounds like i am doesnt it?) so i'll worry when it comes to it.

but this is how it goes with my parents. Mum cooks, dad does the DIY and that. Dad gardens.
bathroom cleaning: whoever is available.
I do the hoover...or my mum, thats my dad's weakness..him and hoovers...he takes SO long doing it me or mum just snatch it out of his hands...
sometimes dad cooks but it hasnt happened in ages.

but i think its not just about gender. Age matters too. (im the eldest, hence dad taught me all the DIY stuff, brother is second youngest, doesnt do much at home...wonders how it'll be when we're all relatively "growed-up", should be quite interesting) Dad not guetting younger, so sometimes i do the stuff he should be doing, but most of the kids do that.

Lol I likey! Its similar in my home also..except my dad is not too good at DIY so my mum and hubby and brother do that...and lucky I got a husband that cooks, cleans,does the bed in the mornings and cleans the bathroom also!! Wooohoooo Lol Count myself lucky there! We share the household chores because we both work, and I think this is very important to discuss when looking for a partner, if these things are not discussed the men will 'naturally' assume the woman will do everything.

Your own soul is nourished when you are kind; it is destroyed when you are cruel.

Bijou wrote:

Hmmm thats true to some extent..but the tabloid also discusses things which broadsheet doesnt. So theres a point there for tabloids!


like the lonely hearts page? Blum 3

"How many people find fault in what they're reading and the fault is in their own understanding" Al Mutanabbi

Bijou wrote:
You wrote:
82% of women do housework... 8% of men do it too... that adds up to 90%. Who does the other ten percent?

Hmmm maybe the children? Or other family members? Or they do get professional cleaners also!

I would assume that all those will not be gender neutral either.

This article smells of bad maths to me.

At the same time, I doubt many consider their homes in such a manner anyway - "I need to do 82%" blah blah... more a case of someone being bothered to, having different standards and it may even be the case that if a guy cleans something, the woman has her own way and would do it again anyway, not saving her any work.

"For too long, we have been a passively tolerant society, saying to our citizens 'as long as you obey the law, we will leave you alone'" - David Cameron, UK Prime Minister. 13 May 2015.

This is a dumb article.

 

You wrote:
Bijou wrote:
You wrote:
82% of women do housework... 8% of men do it too... that adds up to 90%. Who does the other ten percent?

Hmmm maybe the children? Or other family members? Or they do get professional cleaners also!

I would assume that all those will not be gender neutral either.

This article smells of bad maths to me.

At the same time, I doubt many consider their homes in such a manner anyway - "I need to do 82%" blah blah... more a case of someone being bothered to, having different standards and it may even be the case that if a guy cleans something, the woman has her own way and would do it again anyway, not saving her any work.

See? SEE?! rubbish daily mail! Blum 3 (ok i don't even read newspapers and im really not bothered but u know, just wanted to carry on making out i have a good point Blum 3 )

"How many people find fault in what they're reading and the fault is in their own understanding" Al Mutanabbi

ThE pOwEr Of SiLeNcE wrote:
You wrote:
Bijou wrote:
You wrote:
82% of women do housework... 8% of men do it too... that adds up to 90%. Who does the other ten percent?

Hmmm maybe the children? Or other family members? Or they do get professional cleaners also!

I would assume that all those will not be gender neutral either.

This article smells of bad maths to me.

At the same time, I doubt many consider their homes in such a manner anyway - "I need to do 82%" blah blah... more a case of someone being bothered to, having different standards and it may even be the case that if a guy cleans something, the woman has her own way and would do it again anyway, not saving her any work.

See? SEE?! rubbish daily mail! Blum 3 (ok i don't even read newspapers and im really not bothered but u know, just wanted to carry on making out i have a good point Blum 3 )

Fool

Your own soul is nourished when you are kind; it is destroyed when you are cruel.

While the numbers may not add up in this article, I doubt the overall gst of them is far wrong.

"For too long, we have been a passively tolerant society, saying to our citizens 'as long as you obey the law, we will leave you alone'" - David Cameron, UK Prime Minister. 13 May 2015.

You wrote:
While the numbers may not add up in this article, I doubt the overall gst of them is far wrong.

Thankyo YOU haha Biggrin ad least I got you approval stamp

Your own soul is nourished when you are kind; it is destroyed when you are cruel.

I do have a question though - is it really a bad thing that things are the way they are?

"For too long, we have been a passively tolerant society, saying to our citizens 'as long as you obey the law, we will leave you alone'" - David Cameron, UK Prime Minister. 13 May 2015.

You wrote:
I do have a question though - is it really a bad thing that things are the way they are?

Depends on the household situation I guess. I think if both partners are working then its proper to both share house work - the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam (Peace and Blessings be upon him) used to sew is own clothes and also help around the house...so there is nothing in Islam against men not doing housework.

However, I feel if the wife is a at home wife, then yeah it would be useful for her to keep the house clean and tidy...remember in Islam a woman is not obligated to do this, if she does it, it is ehsaan on the husband. But like I said, its good for there to be a balance!

Your own soul is nourished when you are kind; it is destroyed when you are cruel.

Bijou wrote:
Lilly wrote:
ThE pOwEr Of SiLeNcE wrote:
(i didn't bother reading it since from the daily mail)

??

i started reading but then it was too many numbers so my eyes went like this >.<
hmm...not really fair...but...i think i know where to draw the line. I'd say i live more by "segragated gender roles" but the line isnt drawn and its always nice when you swap.

ohh well..i aint married yet (damn..that previous para sounds like i am doesnt it?) so i'll worry when it comes to it.

but this is how it goes with my parents. Mum cooks, dad does the DIY and that. Dad gardens.
bathroom cleaning: whoever is available.
I do the hoover...or my mum, thats my dad's weakness..him and hoovers...he takes SO long doing it me or mum just snatch it out of his hands...
sometimes dad cooks but it hasnt happened in ages.

but i think its not just about gender. Age matters too. (im the eldest, hence dad taught me all the DIY stuff, brother is second youngest, doesnt do much at home...wonders how it'll be when we're all relatively "growed-up", should be quite interesting) Dad not guetting younger, so sometimes i do the stuff he should be doing, but most of the kids do that.

Lol I likey! Its similar in my home also..except my dad is not too good at DIY so my mum and hubby and brother do that...and lucky I got a husband that cooks, cleans,does the bed in the mornings and cleans the bathroom also!! Wooohoooo Lol Count myself lucky there! We share the household chores because we both work, and I think this is very important to discuss when looking for a partner, if these things are not discussed the men will 'naturally' assume the woman will do everything.

*sigh of relief* so it isnt JUST my family! so there is people [a dude] out there who wouldnt mind cooking or doing a bit of cleaning every here and there!

now..i need to make sure my BRO can cook and CLEAN...

Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?