ABSTRACT
Different writers have included various different tasks under the heading of housework or domestic labour. However, many of the studies on domestic labour have tended to be ethnocentric and falsely universalistic and have underestimated the significance of ethnic diversity. Domestic labour can be defined as work activities in households which consist of three components; the general maintenance of the household which includes activities such as cooking and cleaning; childbearing and childrearing which includes the socialisation of children; and finally, looking after the partner. Men and women participated in different domestic labour tasks. Women were more likely to perform the 'dirtier' tasks of domestic labour, such as cleaning the bathroom, toilet and changing the nappies. Women were also asked how much time their husbands/partners spent on domestic labour tasks. If men participated in domestic labour, they were regarded as losing power and lacking male authority.
