Question

Please read the Making the Connection article on page 53. Accordingto the U.S Bureau of labor statistics, the amount of time men devote to housework has been increasing, while the amount of time women devote to housework has been decreasing. Briefly explain whether there is an economic explanation for these trends

Answer 1

The only thing that we could think of is that more and more women are now entering theworkforce. Unlike 50 to 60 years ago when women were not expected to go to college and simply be a stay-at-home mom. Nowadays, especially in the U.S. it is very common for the husband and wife to have jobs outside the home and in a way, it is practical and fair to split the housework.Due to increase in accommodation and greater support from employer and recognition of higher demanding for certain skills set and traits possessed in women, they are more likely to be accepted in work force nowadays. So, the opportunity cost for working instead of staying home as housewife and devote her entire time and labor in house chores is more expensive, in addition to theaid of advanced appliances and technology, the house chores take less time now of the day and it is more efficient to help divide them between husband and wife because of double income advantage. Both are working and making money at the same time, so the amount of time available after work is almost the same due to the fact that wife is now also working and contributing to the employment force and family financially. So, it's making sense if wife can work and husband helps house chore to increase efficiency and economic benefit to the family and society.