Abstract
In view of the inconsistencies in the findings of tests of resource theory in predicting the division of labor within the home, this study examines another theoretical perspective, drawn from the work of Melvin Kohn. It is suggested that people who work in occupations in which they are highly supervised, who have work tasks that are simple and routinized, and who work with things by hand are likely to value obedience and conformity in the marital as well as parental relationship. Using a sample of 244 couples residing in the state of Washington, the author tested several hypotheses and found that working conditions are not strong direct or indirect predictors of the division of household labor. While Kohn's theory has considerable merit in intergenerationalfamily relations, its relevance for intragenerational family relations is dubious. The study concludes that nontraditional gender role values, particularly of the husband, are the strongest predictors of a joint housekeeping role.
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