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Hey Guys, Get To Work!

Posted by Amanda Lockhart on Thu, 12/20/2007 - 3:00pm
Here's a fun story that's sure to make men uncomfortable — couples are less likely to divorce if the guy does his share of the housework.

How's that for a fun conversation starter in the break room at your office? Run that by a few men you know and see what they think.

According to a study by Britain's Economic Social Research Council, couples where both the man and woman work outside the house are more likely to get divorced if the man doesn't pitch in at home. It seems unlikely that a lot of marriages break up just because the guy is a lazy bum and won't do the laundry. But as one researcher mentions, disputes about housework can be a "flashpoint" in a marriage that can add to other strains on the relationship.

The findings coincide somewhat with the rising number of working women in England, and the whole idea seems like it's teetering on the brink of suggesting that women should stay home. I don't think it's worth dredging up that debate. But it is worth wondering if couples should start doing some serious talking about how the housework gets done.

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