The Division of Labor in Dutch Families with Preschool Children

We analyze the actual and the preferred division of family tasks in a group of Dutch families with preschool children. Furthermore, we have tried to give a general description of the activity pattern when both spouses are at home. The results show a noticeable trend towards egalitarianism, particularly in the higher socioeconomic strata; however, this egalitarianism appears not so much a fact as an ideal to be pursued. Moreover, even in the "ideal" situation, the traditional male/female task division remains to some extent. However, both in actual and preferred task division, as well as in the general activity pattern, families with employed wives show a shift towards more equality; but even (part-time) employed wives are reluctant to leave specifically domestic tasks to their husbands. Finally, it appears that when both spouses are at home the father plays more with the children and, thus, fulfills a clearly recreational and creative role within family life.