An empirical model on the fair and the second fair division of household labor

This study specifies an empirical model to estimate the perceived fair division of household labor among husbands and wives, respectively. The division of household work is consistent with the equity theory. The females’ fair household work share is about 62%, while the males’ fair household work share ranges from 10% to 38%. Husbands and wives do not concur with regard to the fair division of household work in relation to each other. Because the fair division of labor is not feasible, second fair household work shares are proposed, and they are about 72% for females and 28% for males, respectively.

Research highlights▶ The division of household work is consistent with the equity theory. ▶ The females’ fair household work share is about 62%. ▶ The males’ fair household work share ranges from 10% to 38%. ▶ Husbands and wives do not concur with regard to the fair shares of household work. ▶ The second fair household work shares are about 72% for females and 28% for males.