A 2020 Gallup poll revealed that married or partnered heterosexual couples in the U.S. largely stick to traditional roles when it comes to household chores. Women still handle the majority of tasks like laundry (58%), cleaning (51%), and meal preparation (51%).
Let me be clear: this frustrates me. Gentlemen, you’re making it hard for those of us who genuinely advocate for equal partnerships. After years of writing about parenting and relationships, I’ve championed the idea that men should equally share the workload at home. Yet, when it comes time to actually pitch in, many of you are nowhere to be found.
Seriously, we should be beyond this by now. It’s 2020, not 1954. Women make up nearly half of the U.S. workforce, yet they still bear a disproportionate burden at home. Doesn’t that strike you as off? It should.
I know firsthand how challenging it can be to juggle a job, raise kids, and manage financial responsibilities. My own life mirrors this struggle—I work two jobs while my partner, Sarah, is a dedicated full-time teacher who constantly juggles grading and lesson planning. In today’s world, it’s often a necessity for both parents to work to make ends meet, so the old “I bring home the bacon” excuse is outdated. If your partner is clocking in a full-time job, you have no excuse to dodge household chores.
Let’s be real here. Last night, I spent 20 minutes loading and unloading the dishwasher. I vacuumed for another 20 minutes and folded a load of laundry, which took about the same time as an episode of a popular show. And you know what? After all that, I was able to enjoy some quality Netflix time with Sarah because we both had the time available.
It seems like many men are fine with embracing women’s rights in the workplace but are less enthusiastic about sharing the load at home. Guys, it’s time to step up and grab a vacuum. This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s overdue. We should be equally invested in both earning an income and maintaining a household.
No one is asking you to handle all the chores. The expectation is to contribute fairly, especially in dual-income households. This is what equality looks like in 2020 when financial responsibilities require two people working. Expecting your partner to work and then take on most of the home duties is not just unfair, it’s downright rude. It’s why your spouse might be giving you the side eye while she’s loading the dishwasher as you scroll through your phone. It could even affect your intimate life—who wants to engage with someone who doesn’t pull their weight?
I dream of a world where couples can look across the dinner table and say, “We share the load equally.” But we’re not there yet, and it’s frustrating. Look at those statistics again. While many men are doing their fair share, there are still plenty who think household chores are “women’s work.” If you’re unsure whether you’re contributing equally, just ask your partner. She’ll likely have some thoughts on the matter. And be open to her feedback—if you’re lagging behind, it’s time to make some changes. Your relationship might depend on it.
For more insights, check out this related blog post on home insemination. Also, if you’re considering the path of parenthood, Make a Mom is an excellent resource for at-home insemination kits. For additional information on pregnancy and IVF, visit NHS.uk.
In summary, it’s high time for men to embrace not only gender equality in the workplace but also chore equality at home. Both partners should equally share household responsibilities, especially when both are working full-time. If you’re falling short, now is the moment to step up and make a change for the better in your relationship.
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