Who should do the housework?

'Housework' comprises the domestic chores needed to keep a household functioning to satisfy the basic physical needs of its members. Such chores may include shopping for food and basic necessities, preparing food, washing and drying dishes, washing and drying clothes, cleaning the house, mowing and trimming the lawn, tending the garden, caring for pets and plants, and transporting the spouse and children to their destinations.

Having housework done by someone else gives freedom to do other things, like advance in a career or amuse oneself with, say, golf, shopping, or TV. But the one who does housework may be investing in the career of the partner and expecting to derive material benefits from that partner when he or she advances.

Option 1: The one who has more time

Pro: If some sort of equality in the division of labor is a goal, then the person who has the smaller load of work to do outside the home is the one to take on more of the chores of managing the household.

Option 2: The one who has the greatest ability

Pro: Those who have training, experience, or special talent in a particular area generally complete their tasks more quickly and with superior results compared with anyone who lacks expertise. The management of a household is more efficient when the most knowledgeable person completes the required tasks.

Con: Where the most able person always tackles a given job, those who are less able have limited opportunities for improvement. Unless inexperienced and incompetent people are educated and given chances to practice a household chore, they are not likely ever to contribute much to the maintenance of a home. Moreover, the division of labor is likely to go on unchanged: those who are most able to do the necessary work will have to carry on without relief.