Research Findings: Women Often Contemplate Divorce due to Domestic Tasks Overload - Research Findings Indicate High Consideration of Divorce Among Women Due to Domestic Responsibilities
In a recent study by the Federal Institute for Population Research (BiB) in Wiesbaden, it was revealed that many German couples struggle to achieve an equal division of household chores, particularly those with children[1]. The research highlights a pressing issue that could potentially impact the overall satisfaction of relationships, with approximately one in five women in relationships with unequal household chores considering separation[2].
The study found that women of working age spend around 13 hours a week on cooking, cleaning, and laundry, while men typically spend half that time[3]. This disparity is often exacerbated by traditional gender roles, with men usually handling repairs in these households, while women are often responsible for routine tasks like laundry[4].
To address this issue, the BiB recommends "more supportive framework conditions" for an equal division of household chores, especially at the beginning of the family phase[5]. The institute suggests supporting couples before and after childbirth to manage paid and unpaid work more equitably, encouraging fathers to take on more housework and childcare responsibilities, promoting societal and workplace norms that enable women to maintain paid work alongside family duties, and enhancing policies around parental leave to allow both parents to share caregiving and household tasks more equally[1].
The study also suggests using the family budget agreed upon in the black-red coalition agreement to pay for everyday helpers for families with young children or dependent relatives[6]. This could potentially alleviate some of the burden on both parents, allowing for a more balanced distribution of responsibilities.
However, it's important to note that the study did not provide information on the impact of unequal household chores on the overall satisfaction of relationships, nor did it specify the gender distribution of those who consider separation due to unequal household chores[2][7].
Despite these gaps in information, the findings underscore the need for family support policies, workplace flexibility, and cultural changes around gender roles to foster a fairer division of household labor in Germany[1]. As societal awareness around this issue grows, it is hoped that policies promoting parental leave equality and work-life balance incentives will emerge, aiming to reduce traditional gender disparities in domestic tasks.
- The employment policy, particularly family support policies and workplace flexibility, could be revised to promote a fairer division of household labor, as suggested by the BiB's community policy.
- The home-and-garden policy might also be considered in addressing the disparity in household chores, with the potential use of the family budget to pay for everyday helpers, as recommended by the BiB.
- In light of the findings, a review of the health-and-wellness, women's health, and lifestyle policies could potentially incorporate initiatives that challenge traditional gender roles, advocating for more equitable distribution of housework and childcare responsibilities.
