| Housework is STILL a woman's job as survey revealed just one in 10 men do more
What has 40 years of feminism in the British household achieved? Not much when it comes to dividing up daily chores, a survey has revealed. But the IPPR argues the route to gender equality requires society to change and for men to voluntarily do more of their fair share. It added that if the Chancellor introduces tax relief on domestic cleaning staff, it can help well of families and further entrench gender inequality among low earners. The scheme, which would be aimed at helping working women with domestic chores, could save households thousands of pounds a year. More than eight out of 10 women born in 1958 said they do more laundry and ironing than their partner, while seven out of 10 women born in 1970 agreed. Nick Pearce, director of IPPR, said: 'The revolution in gender roles is unfinished business. The IPPR says its research shows that, for real equality, society needs to see men to pick up the vacuum cleaner and do their fair share. The figures show only three per cent of married women do fewer than three hours a week, while just one in 10 married men - 13 per cent - do more cleaning and washing than his wife. The Prime Minister said he was 'very' interested in the controversial scheme, which is used in Sweden and Finland. Last month Prime Minister David Cameron was said to be interested in introducing tax breaks for families to employ cleaners, babysitters and gardeners. Patterns of housework have changed only slightly, it claimed. The tax break would also disproportionately benefit middle and high-income families who can afford hired help. 'When they earn more, their bargaining power with their partners increases, so closing the gender pay gap would help. 'Men should work more flexibly, take greater responsibility for caring for their children and their homes, and have the right to reserved parental leave. 'Universal childcare, rather than tax relief for nannies or cleaners, is also the best way forward for a family-friendly, more equal Britain. 'On most key issues, the route to modern feminist goals must pass through fathers. 'Women still shoulder the overwhelming burden of household tasks, particularly after they have had children. Eight out of 10 married women do more housework than their husbands with almost half clocking up 13 hours or more a week. Instead, IPPR says the state should offer universal pre-school childcare, that may pay for itself over time by increasing the UK's female employment rate and boosting tax paid by working mothers. Housework is STILL a woman's job as survey revealed just one in 10 men do more |
Monday 12 March 2012
Housework is STILL a woman's job as survey revealed just one in 10 men do more
