主婦の就労と性別役割分業

Abstract

This paper aims at discussing possible future changes in role differentiation in the family caused by an increase of wives'labor market participation. For this purpose, a qualitative approach was taken rather than a simulational analysis based on macro data.The first condition in the future which can be predicted at this moment would be an advancement of class stratification by occupation that females belong to, as a result of the Equal Employment Opportunity Law. Then, males' participation in house keeping and social activities would incease with an improvement of general working conditions such as a flex-time system and reduction of total working hours. Total working hours for household chores also will decrease as a result of more availability in purchasing home-aid services. Even if they are unemployed, more wives tend to participate in social activities.Predictable statements expected in this case are as follows : 1) Equality at workplace would proceed gender equality in family.2) Ideology and an actual practice would not develop in parallel regarding role differentiation and equality by sex. For instance, the husband may share household chores but does not neccessarily retain an egalitarian ideology.3) Type of role sharing would differ depending on household type and their marital relationships and it also would be diversified by their resource such as the possibility of using household-aid services and help from their kin.