Men v. Women division of labor

[betarhoalphadelta]

Many millennia ago, the male of the human species became the hunter. Some believe this was inevitable, a natural outcome based upon the male’s larger size and strength. On the contrary, I think this was a calculated, cunning strategy. In fact, in this instance the men outsmarted* their mates.

Why would the men leave the village, braving the elements, the terrain, the perils of dangerous animals, and the threat of conflict with rival tribes? The threats were numerous, and as any modern provider knows, it can be a thankless job. So why volunteer for it?

Because it’s a hell of a lot easier than spending time with children.

* The female of the species would contend that this is the last time in history that this occurred.

 

[hunter_le five]

SWMBO has to spend 8 hours a day locked in a room with tiny monsters as her job.

Yet, for some reason, she keeps insisting that she wants to have one of her own. Apparently she won't be content until she has to deal with the little bastards 24/7.

I don't know what the hell's wrong with her....

 

[Yooper]

Haha- you made me laugh.

While I've been "traditional" I guess, I've also been sort of not as well. I joined the Army to go Airborne when I was 18, because no other women did.

I was offered an appointment at West Point- which I turned down, as I would have been one of the first women (a couple of years into them permitting women in) and they got razzed HARD by the males. Few made it one year. I'm tough, but not that tough! I did go through basic training in a mostly-male company, though. We had about 300 men, 10 women, and all male drill sargeants. It was hard in many ways, but I liked being self sufficient and physically (and mentally) tough.

Just the other day, I got a note from UPS that I had a 68 pound package coming. I didn't order brew supplies, so asked my husband what we ordered. He told me it was "A new grill, at a great price. But......you don't have to put it together right away."

Today, I live-trapped a small skunk, and then released it (all without getting sprayed, by the way!) because Bob (who is a retired wildlife biologist by the way) was worried about getting sprayed or injured.

While we still do have some traditional roles, we also do what we like and enjoy so split the household chores that way. He cooks most of the time, unless it's something elaborate and I'm inspired. I do things like shuck the oysters, while he doesn't like that.

I put things together, fix things, etc. I don't do laundry.

But- and this is why I'm pretty happy with myself- I brew BEER! :rockin:

 

[betarhoalphadelta]

Haha- you made me laugh.

That was the intent

My wife and I are a lot more traditional in that respect as she's a SAHM for our 3 kids... But I was thinking about this as I don't think I'm even capable of doing what she does. I'd lose my mind.

 

[Komocabo]

No kidding! I work 10 hour days and go to school at night. My wife works 24/7 and is amazing at her "job". She also is on the school board and volunteers with her church all if the time. I love LOVE my kids, but I would lose my mind if we had to switch roles... So much respect for my wife and what she does. My kids are excellent people due to her diligence. I am very active with our kids, but she takes the lions share of the responsibilities. She's amazing and we are a good team

 

[Ridire]

I would love to stay at home with the kids...no joke. But finances work out so that I make about twice what my wife would earn, with a much more flexible schedule than what she would have in her chosen field. So, I work outside the home and she usually is with the kids (although she is working today).

 

[hunter_le five]

I would love to stay at home with the kids...no joke. But finances work out so that I make about twice what my wife would earn, with a much more flexible schedule than what she would have in her chosen field. So, I work outside the home and she usually is with the kids (although she is working today).

I expect that will be the driving factor for us as well when that day comes. I would love an excuse to unchain myself from the desk for a few years, but it just wouldn't make financial sense.

SWMBO has a dearth of marketable skills which preclude her from working for much more than minimum wage, and a work experience history to match. Given that I make well over quadruple what she does, guess which one of us will be staying home to babysit the gremlins?

 

[jmendez29]

Lulz.

Funny this came up. Had a conversation with the GF the other day. While folding a basket of clothes, she says to me, "I don't think it's fair how chores get divided up around here."

I knew what she was getting around to, she pretty much does all the laundry, which she hates doing. So I responded to her, "you're right, I don't think it's fair that I get to do ALL the yard work, I'm the only one who ever cleans/organizes the bedroom, and does at least 3/4 of the cooking." (All with a sarcastic smile)

By the look on her face, I could tell that the conversation went in a completely different direction than she was hoping for. To be fair, she has a full time job (at a brewery, god bless her soul) goes to school to get a degree, and chases after an almost six year old girl, not mine. She has a full plate and I don't begrudge any of this because she really does try hard to keep everything going. It was just funny how it turned on her.

And I ended up helping her fold clothes anyway....

 

[drainbamage]

Lulz.

Funny this came up. Had a conversation with the GF the other day. While folding a basket of clothes, she says to me, "I don't think it's fair how chores get divided up around here."

I knew what she was getting around to, she pretty much does all the laundry, which she hates doing. So I responded to her, "you're right, I don't think it's fair that I get to do ALL the yard work, I'm the only one who ever cleans/organizes the bedroom, and does at least 3/4 of the cooking." (All with a sarcastic smile)

By the look on her face, I could tell that the conversation went in a completely different direction than she was hoping for. To be fair, she has a full time job (at a brewery, god bless her soul) goes to school to get a degree, and chases after an almost six year old girl, not mine. She has a full plate and I don't begrudge any of this because she really does try hard to keep everything going. It was just funny how it turned on her.

And I ended up helping her fold clothes anyway....

We had that same conversation a few years ago, also over laundry (and also jokingly). We at least don't have kids to worry about, but I asked her if she wanted to help me with the yard work (no), oil changes on the cars (no), cleaning the bathrooms (no). Then our work schedules shifted around and we had no choice but to shift responsibilities around. Things are a little more balanced now.