Duties of a woman in a traditional couple
To vacuum: Thanks to technology, vacuum cleaners are now very light, and robots can even do the job.
To clean clothes: Everything is automated thanks to washing machines and dryers. Garment steamers have also made ironing and folding easier.
To cook: With the availability of ready-made food, all that is required is to place the pack in a microwave and press the “start” button. Cleaning dishes is also as simple as pressing a “start” button.
To raise children: Thanks to nurseries, nannies and family members, mothers can leave their children with them. The automation of household chores has made raising children an easier task. However, raising children is not a lifelong responsibility for a woman.
Duties of a man in a traditional couple
- To protect the wife and daughter(s)
- To protect the properties
- To be the main source of income
- To save money for the future
- To manage household finances (savings, investments, mortgages, loans)
- To be responsible for accommodation maintenance
- To repair anything in the accommodation
- To be responsible for car maintenance
- To ensure that the heating system works
- To ensure that the electrical system is okay
- To ensure that water pipes are okay
- To install an alarm system
- To install a power generator
- To paint the walls and doors
- To do house makeovers
- To fix the internet
- To set up TV, computers, media centers
- To install swimming pools and hot tubs
- To install a hut in the garden
- To fix fences
- To settle problems with the neighbors
- To be involved in local communities and associations
- To interact with law enforcement officers
Between 1950 and 2010, housework became increasingly automated, making life easier for housewives. However, men still have to perform physically and cognitively demanding tasks such as building walls, painting tall house walls, and doing other chores around the house. This imbalance in duties means that men work much more at home than women.
Despite this, some women still accuse men of being lazy, unskilled, or even useless if they don’t perform their traditional chores. The media often portrays families with many young children to make it seem like taking care of children is a difficult task, but in reality, it was much harder in the 19th century when there was no electricity or automation.
If you find yourself in this situation, consider reducing the amount of work you do at home.