Housework Time of Wives: Pressure, Facilitators, Constraints

Abstract

This study provides an expansion and improvement of previous research on the factors related to wife's time spent in housework. Independent variables were categorized as: pressures toward greater time inputs to housework, constraints on time inputs to housework, and facilitators of housework activity. The sample consisted of 227 homemakers residing in Champaign‐Urbana, Illinois. Data were collected in 1976–77. Multiple regression analysis was used. Results indicate that wives spend more hours on housework the fewer hours they work outside the home, the larger the family size, the fewer times the family eats out per month, and the greater number of stories in the family dwelling. More hours also are spent if the wife has a chronic illness. These last three variables have not been reported as significant determinants previously. Wife's labor force participation was the most important determinant of time spent on housework. Family size was the second most important determinant. About one‐third of the variance was explained.