Person responsible for the purchase of household appliances in French households 2019
For the anniversary of the outbreak of the Weinstein scandal (October 2017), which seems to have raised awareness of sexism in many areas, the source conducted a large-scale study in 2019, aiming to measure the scope of inequalities in the distribution of domestic tasks between the two genders in France and in Europe. And, it appears that despite an increasingly egalitarian ideal of sharing household chores, gender inequalities in this area are significant. Indeed, 65 percent of the women surveyed reported being responsible for purchasing the oven and electric stove, and the partner was responsible for purchasing the washing machine in only 11 percent of households.
However, the examination of the profile of women responsible for purchasing vacuum cleaners in their households also shows that women under 30 years of age were the least concerned age group. This figure, although it should be cautiously interpreted, could suggest that the distribution of household tasks within the couple is evolving.
All in the same boat?
When observing the profiles of the women who were the most concerned by the unequal distribution of purchasing responsibilities within the household, it seems that the level of diploma, the socio-professional category or the living conditions are decisive factors. Examining the example of the purchase of vacuum cleaners, it appears that in 2019, the women most affected by the responsibility of vacuum cleaner acquisition within the household often had a lower level of education, belonged to the working class, and had a relatively low level of income.Changes in the sharing of domestic chores
These figures also show, despite common assumptions, that inequalities in the distribution of chores between the two genders remain a serious issue. And, looking at household chores in general, it clearly appears that their distribution is not yet egalitarian. Indeed, in 2017, more than three-quarters of French women thought that chores were not equally divided. They were also 43 percent to consider that their partner did not do their share.However, the examination of the profile of women responsible for purchasing vacuum cleaners in their households also shows that women under 30 years of age were the least concerned age group. This figure, although it should be cautiously interpreted, could suggest that the distribution of household tasks within the couple is evolving.
