Measures of the Father's Role

Division of Labor Between Parents: The “Who Does It More” Measure

The same measure was administered to mothers and fathers, but mothers were administered it in a personal interview and the fathers' form was selfadministered. The format used with mothers is presented here.

We are interested in how parents divide household tasks and activities. I'm going to read some family activities and I'd like you to tell me if you do it, your husband does it, or, if both, who does it more. Here is a card with the possible answers. (Interviewer hands card to mother.)

1. Mother–not father

2. Mother mostly but father sometimes

3. Both pretty equally

4. Father mostly but mother sometimes

5. Father–not mother

6. Neither does it

Here are the questions:

1. Gets breakfast–Who gets breakfast in your family–you and not your husband, you mostly, pretty equally, your husband more, only your husband?

2. Mows the lawn and shovels the snow?

3. Cleans and dusts?

4. Cooks the evening meal?

5. Washes and cleans the car?

6. Fixes things when they go wrong like stopped-up sinks and blown-out fuses?

7. Cleans the basement and the garage?

8. Does the dishes?

9. Sets the table?

10. Makes the beds?

11. Gets the children to eat the foods they should?

12. Gets the children to help around the house?

13. Gets the children to go to bed?

14. Takes care of the children?

15. Makes sure the children get to school on time?

16. […]