Australians discuss their approaches to housework, revealing that women still bear the brunt of these responsibilities. This, alongside data on community attitudes and the prevalence of gendered violence, is another troubling reflection of men’s behavior. It’s time for action, not just words.
No one enjoys chores, and the standards around cleanliness are the same for both women and men. Contrary to the myth that men are more visually oriented, women do not perceive messes more acutely. These stereotypes, perpetuated and upheld by some men, do not serve the greater good. Such gendered beliefs are strongly reinforced by misogyny, creating a double standard that women must navigate, while men often claim to experience a non-existent form of victimhood.
There is little hope for bridging the gender divide until responsible men lead by example, and unfortunately, there seems to be a lack of such role models. The shame of this situation is being forced onto women, whereas it should rightfully belong to those who perpetuate it. We know there are “Good Men” out there; one even set a sentencing record this week. Yet, I witness many men unwilling to address the issues of gendered violence or confront their distorted views while asserting a false sense of victimhood in both public and women’s spaces.
Gendered violence is deeply rooted in our culture; it is not a biological or hormonal issue, but a social one that men are resisting efforts to dismantle. Many men shy away from taking responsibility for their actions and refuse to clean up after themselves.
In fact, numerous men’s groups I’ve come across lack evidence-based practices and instead seem to reinforce misogyny and perpetuate gendered violence, all while claiming to promote cultural change that doesn’t seem to take root at the societal level.
So what’s the plan, men? Will you continue with the status quo? Long-term (20+ week) behavioral change programs for men offer peer support, yet many resist the idea. Is it that misogyny still holds sway?
If you need help, you can reach out to MensLine Australia at 1300 78 9978 or visit https://mensline.org.au/contact-us/.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this important issue. It’s crucial to highlight the ongoing inequality in household responsibilities and the broader cultural implications of gendered expectations. The data showing that women still bear the brunt of housework is both disheartening and a call to action for men to step up and share the workload.
As you’ve rightly pointed out, these patterns are social constructs, deeply rooted in misogyny and outdated norms. It is essential for men to acknowledge the role they play, not just in perpetuating these myths but in actively dismantling them. This requires both self-reflection and a commitment to change.
True equality will only emerge when all individuals recognize the importance of shared responsibilities at home and challenge the societal norms that dictate otherwise. Men can and should take the lead by setting examples, holding each other accountable, and engaging in open dialogues about gender roles and household tasks.
The push for long-term behavioral change programs is a vital step, but it needs to be met with willingness from men to engage seriously with the issue. It’s time for a collective effort to shift the narrative and ensure that gender equality is a shared responsibility, not solely shouldered by women. Let’s hope for more actionable steps towards a more equitable future.