In the land Down Under, a storm has been brewing within the walls of the Australian household, and it’s not just about who left the cap off the toothpaste. A recent study has laid bare a stark reality that has left many men on the defensive and women nodding in weary acknowledgement. The 19th annual Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey has shone a spotlight on the domestic divide, revealing a grim fact that men seem reluctant to admit: the scales of household labour are far from balanced.
The HILDA Survey, a longitudinal study that has been tracking the same individuals since 2001, is a treasure trove of data on the economic and personal well-being of Australians. Managed by the Melbourne Institute and funded by the Australian government, it’s a barometer for the changing dynamics of family life and labour market trends. And the latest findings? They paint a picture of a domestic landscape where women are shouldering an unfair burden.
Despite the fact that women are clocking in more hours at the workplace than ever before, the expectation for them to maintain their domestic duties remains high. The survey found that women are working ‘significantly more’ than they did two decades ago, with an average of 28.5 hours a week in employment, up from 22.2 hours in 2002. Yet, they are still doing 50 per cent more cleaning than their male counterparts, who have not increased their contribution to household chores over the same period.
Men, on average, are spending 12.8 hours a week on housework, unchanged since 2002. In contrast, women dedicate 18.4 hours weekly to tasks like cleaning, cooking, and running errands. This is a decrease from 23.8 hours in 2002, but it still exceeds the time men put in by over 5 hours. When it comes to caring for children or loved ones, women are also investing more time, with 10.7 hours a week compared to men’s 5.5 hours.
Dr Inga Lass, the report’s author, highlights the persistent inequality: ‘Women take over a greater share of housework and care than their male partner in almost every employment scenario. While women do significantly more paid work than they used to, this divide of unpaid work at home has not changed significantly since we started measuring in 2002.’
The survey’s findings have sparked a conversation across the nation, with many Australian women sharing their experiences of inequality at home. Social media has been abuzz with reactions, ranging from resigned acceptance to calls for change. ‘My life as a single parent was unbelievably easier than having a partner who thought our lives revolved around theirs,’ one woman shared, echoing the sentiments of many.
Men, however, have had mixed reactions to the data. Some feel unfairly criticised, arguing that their contributions at work should not be discounted. ‘Slacking off? No, we haven’t changed, we still do our job,’ one man commented, reflecting his opinion on the matter.
The HILDA Survey also sheds light on broader changes in Australian households. While a couple with dependent children remains the most common household type, economic pressures have led to a decrease in single-parent households. Childcare costs have soared, particularly for single parents, who have seen a 76 per cent increase since 2006.
As household dynamics continue to evolve, the conversation around sharing domestic responsibilities remains as important as ever. While the data highlights ongoing challenges, it also presents an opportunity for reflection and change.
What are your thoughts on these findings? Have you noticed shifts in household responsibilities in your own home over the years? How do you think families can work toward a fairer balance? Share your insights in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
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