Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.5673/sip.51.1.4
Perceived Distribution of Family Obligations Between Partners and Perception of Equity in a Relationship
Andreja Bartolac
orcid.org/0000-0002-9472-5154
; University of Applied Health Studies, Zagreb, Croatia
Željka Kamenov
orcid.org/0000-0003-0392-149X
; Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Psychology, University of Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
Research results over the past twenty years have shown that both men and women agree that
family duties should be shared more equitably between partners. However, this responsibility
is not exercised accordingly in everyday life. The aim of this study was to find out how
partners perceived the distribution of daily duties and responsibilities in their relationship
(household chores, management of finances and decision making) and how satisfied they
were with such a distribution. Also we wanted to find out whether men and women perceived
equity in a relationship differently and which was a better equity predictor: the distribution of
family responsibilities or the satisfaction with it? The study included 120 dual-income couples.
The results show that women still contribute more to routine or traditionally female chores,
while men do periodical or traditionally male household chores. Women are less satisfied
than men with this division of housework and finance. Both partners are most satisfied when
they participate equally in family expenses and decisions. Men’s experience of equity in a
relationship is best predicted by their satisfaction with shared finances and women’s by their
satisfaction with shared household tasks. For both partners, satisfaction with shared decisionmaking
is a significant predictor.
Keywords
distribution of partners’ responsibilities; satisfaction; equity; two-income couples
Hrčak ID:
101791
URI
Publication date:
14.5.2013.
Visits: 5.479 *