Unbalanced Burdens: Women’s Struggle

In an ideal world where both partners contribute equally to the family income, one would expect a fair distribution of household responsibilities. However, the reality remains far from ideal, as highlighted by a recent April 2023 study conducted by the Pew Research Center. Despite women’s progress in various spheres of life and their successful careers, certain aspects have remained unchanged.

Even when women are ambitious and career-oriented, they still find themselves trapped in the traditional role of the primary caregiver and household manager. This creates an immense workload for women, making it challenging to find a balance without sufficient support systems or alternative caretakers.

The Pew Research Center’s survey on working heterosexual married couples in the United States reveals a significant disparity in household responsibilities. Although 29% of couples surveyed had equal earnings, men still spent more time on leisure activities, while women dedicated additional hours to household chores.

This gender disparity is not limited to the United States. The European Union’s Knowledge Centre on Gender Equality Index 2021 highlights the unequal distribution of household chores, childcare, and long-term care responsibilities. Women with children spend significantly more time on housework compared to men.

Re-reported from the story originally published in https://www.wionews.com/