Abstract
This study examined the relationship between relational uncertainty and perceptions of division of household labor (DHL) in cohabiting and married couples. Specifically, research questions explored perceived fairness in DHL and relational uncertainty, perceptual convergence of contributions, convergence of perceptions and relational uncertainty, and convergence of perceptions and relationship satisfaction. A behavioral methodology called the Household Portrait Technique was employed to examine how couples discuss how they decide who does what in the household. A total of 33 couples independently completed a self-report instrument and jointly participated in the Household Portrait activity. Results showed that husbands and wives were agreed in their perceptions of fairness. Couples agreed that husbands do more of the outdoor work and automobile maintenance whereas wives do more of the childcare. Convergent perceptions regarding DHL was positively associated with relational certainty and marginally associated with relationship satisfaction.
Highlights
This study examined the relationship between relational uncertainty and perceptions of division of household labor (DHL) in cohabiting and married couples
Couples agreed that husbands do more of the outdoor work and automobile maintenance whereas wives do more of the childcare
The first research question examining the relationship between relational uncertainty and perceived fairness in the Division of Household Labor was tested using correlations
Summary
This study examined the relationship between relational uncertainty and perceptions of division of household labor (DHL) in cohabiting and married couples. Much of the research on the division of household labor has examined the impact of inequity on marital satisfaction (Benin & Agostinelli, 1988). While research on the division of household labor has established the persistent pattern of injustice with women contributing a greater share of effort (Freudenthaler & Milula, 1998; Mikula, 1998) and investigated possible explanations for this inequity (Greenstein, 2000; Kamo, 1988), research has not yet examined the impact of relational uncertainty on perceived fairness in the division of household labor
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More From: Interpersona: An International Journal on Personal Relationships
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