Australians Reflect on Household Chores: Survey Shows Women Still Carrying the Burden
Recent survey findings highlight that women continue to take on a larger share of housework in Australia, a concerning indicator of gender inequality that aligns with persistent community attitudes and the evidence surrounding gender-based violence. It’s time for men to prioritize action over words.
Chores aren’t enjoyable for anyone, and women’s standards for cleanliness are no different from men’s. The claim that men, as “visual creatures,” are less perceptive to mess is just a myth that men perpetuate to maintain the status quo. These gendered stereotypes are deeply entrenched and enforced by misogyny, leading to a damaging double standard where women are scrutinized while men falsely assert that they face misandry.
The gender divide won’t narrow until responsible men step up and lead by example—but it appears there’s a scarcity of such role models. This situation reflects poorly on men, who project their shortcomings onto women, while we’ve consistently stated that the shame needs to be redirected toward those who perpetuate these issues. We’ve seen the positive actions of “Good Men”—just this week, one made headlines for establishing a new sentencing record. Meanwhile, many men stubbornly resist acknowledging their role in combating gendered violence and refuse to accept responsibility for their skewed perceptions, claiming victimhood in shared spaces and women’s areas.
Gendered violence is a cultural issue, not a biological one; it stems from social norms, and many men are hesitant to address it. The same resistance is evident when it comes to taking responsibility for cleaning up after themselves.
There are many male groups out there, but many lack an evidence-based approach and may inadvertently reinforce misogyny, promoting gendered violence while claiming to drive cultural change that isn’t being realized at the societal level.
So what’s the plan, men? Are we going to maintain the status quo? Long-term behavioral change programs for men, which offer peer support, are often met with resistance from men. Is it misogyny that guides these choices?
If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available. Contact MensLine Australia at 1300 78 9978 or visit their website at MensLine Australia.
Your perspective raises important points about the entrenched societal norms that contribute to the ongoing inequities in housework and broader issues of gendered violence. It’s frustrating to see that, despite evidence and discussions that highlight these disparities, many continue to cling to outdated myths and stereotypes about gender roles.
The call for men to lead by example is vital. Men taking active steps to share household responsibilities, confront misogyny, and change their own behaviors can serve as a powerful influence in shifting cultural attitudes. It’s disheartening to hear about the reluctance for many to engage in self-reflection or participate in programs aimed at change, as personal accountability is a crucial step in addressing these issues.
As you pointed out, gendered violence is a learned behavior, not an innate one, and dismantling this requires involvement from everyone—especially men. There needs to be an open dialogue about these expectations and the need for shared responsibility in both domestic spaces and society at large.
Men must recognize that working to change these cultural narratives is not just beneficial for women, but for everyone. Instead of pushing back against change, embracing it could lead us all towards a more equitable and respectful society. Thank you for sharing these thoughts and resources; it’s essential to keep these conversations alive and encourage action rather than complacency.