Discussion On Husband’s Part In Domestic Chores

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28887, 6 May 1959, Page 2

Discussion On Husband’s Part In Domestic Chores

Discussion was varied and ipinions differed when 16 women md four men gathered round a

fire in a room in the Young Women’s Christian Association building last night to consider “what dad expects of mum.” The meeting was convened by the Parents’ Centre. In the main the women held

the floor, three of the men, who sat together, each made a brief comment, and the fourth man gave his opinions on economic tensions, with which many of the women disagreed. Opening the discussion, a woman doctor said that a young married man expected his wife to keep the home and children in order, get the meals and look after the clothing, while he earned the money. However, the more mature man

—possibly a widower—wanted more of a companion. “Somebody he could share his things with.’’

she said. When the discussion turned to a young wife’s training period, one of the men said that today a young married couple went into a flat to start their married life. “This is her training period and a wife is not expected to be perfect to start with. “A new element is the working wife, who will work for a while to help get the extra things for when they move into' their home.” he said. At this stage in the discussion, the women took charge and it moved to a comparison of 'husbands. “New Zealand husbands are better helpers around the home.” said one woman. “I know an English couple and the husband expects his slippers out by the fire' when he comes home at night.” He would not consider helping his wife with the dishes but the New Zealand husband would, she said.

The woman doctor said the woman’s sphere of interest was no longer centred on the home. Today women had much wider interests and their husbands stayed at home and minded the children when they went out. “Quite a few would not be here tonight if dad was not at home minding the children.” she said. As the discussion moved towards a comparison between young wives and their mothers, one of the women said she was not as good as her mother in the managing of the home. This might be due to the fact that the home today was not such a big unit as the grandparents'

home, replied the doctor. Young wives spent more time at school and did not learn so much cooking and household work at home. They only learnt household work from their mothers, whereas years ago they would learn from their mothers andaunts and grandmothers, who also lived in the home.

One man said that today, with the modern home, electrical appliances and cars, there was a cost factor which caused a financial strain and this economic tension was seen right through the family —from the husband, wife and even in the children.

Several women disagreed with his views saying that this was “keeping up with the Joneses” and that families were better off with free education, hospitals and social security

There was no disagreement with the doctor’s statement that today women were living longer while men were dying younger. “Today men have more worries, but they are looking after their wives better,” she said.

She ended the discussion saying: “We often nag our men too much and expect them to do things, which are not their functions.”