Men Can Help with Cleaning too

Published March 26, 1987. In last week’s column I wrote about a new book by Don Aslett which should be of interest to contemporary families in the United States. It is titled “Who Says It’s a Woman’s Job to Clean?” While there may have been a few jokes about the topic, column, or book, the tragic truth is that the vast majority of men and children in this country would simply answer “Yes, it is a wife’s and mother’s job to clean the house.” We may not want to admit it. But we believe it.

Don gave some very interesting statistics:

1. Ninety percent of the housework is caused by men and children
2. Ninety percent of the cleaning is usually done by the wife or mother.

Is that true in your home? Do you as husband and father ever assist with housework? Do the children? You would say, “Of course we help.” But do you? And is the help you give just token help? Do you still believe it is a woman’s job to clean the house if your wife is employed part of full-time outside the home?

Don has a little test in his book. The test is called “Are You a Macho Man? (Macho meaning one who helps at home.) He wants to help you determine if you are doing your share of the housework. Here are a few of the questions:

(Answer: 1. Never; 2. Once in a While; 3. 50 percent of the time; 4. Most of the Time; 5. Always.)

________I put my own stuff away.

________I dispose of my old newspapers, magazines and junk mail.

________I clean up my own project mess (sawdust, filings, dirty oil, etc.)

________I straighten up the house.

________I dust.

________I vacuum.

________I sweep or mop the floors.

________I clean the or take the drapes to the cleaner.

________I wash windows.

________I wash the walls.

________I clean the attic or the basement.

________I make my own bed.

________I hang up my wet towel after I shower or bathe.

________I clean the toilet.

________I clean the bathroom.

________I clean up after my between-meal snacks.

________I shop for groceries and put them away.

________I cook meals.

________I set and clear the table.

________I help get ready for parties and get-togethers.

________I clean out the refrigerator.

________I hang up my clothes if they’re still clean enough to wear.

________I put my dirty clothes in the hamper.

________I do the washing and drying.

________I fold the laundry and put it away.

________I iron my own shirts.

________I take clothes to the dry cleaner and pick them up.

________I feed the children.

________I change diapers or help with potty training.

________I give our children a bath.

________I put our children to bed.

________I chauffeur children to their activities.

________I arrange for a babysitter when we need one.

________I arrange for professional cleaning when needed.

Enough? These are just a few of the questions Don asks men, to assist them in determining their attitudes about and efforts in helping around the home. Interesting question and title of Don Aslett’s new book “Who Says It’s a woman’s Job to Clean?”