Even in 2024, the uneven distribution of domestic tasks remains a reality in many French households. The women predominantly bear the burden of traditional household chores such as child care, shopping, cleaning, and meal preparation. But as the demand for a more equitable distribution of “feminine” responsibilities grows, what do women think of tasks traditionally assigned to men, such as DIY?
In anticipation of the global DIY day this Wednesday 24th May, Depanneo.com, the specialist in repair in France, and the Flashs agency have commissioned the IFOP to conduct a survey on the role of women in DIY within couples. More than 1,000 French women were surveyed to determine “who does what” in terms of DIY and repair.
Focus on the distribution of so-called “masculine” tasks in the couple
The study reveals that, although the number of men who take on these tasks alone has decreased compared to 20 years ago, they retain a majority in this area. However, women are increasingly expressing an egalitarian view of these tasks. For example, more than half of women (51%) believe that tasks such as unclogging pipes or drilling holes should not be gendered.
According to their partners, 52% of men are responsible for do-it-yourself and small tasks in 2024, compared to 71% in 2005. Yet, 71% of men claim they still assume this role. Meanwhile, the number of women who declare they alone undertake these tasks has increased, rising from 10% to 17% in two decades.
But there are big disparities depending on the type of tasks to be accomplished. For example, when it comes to vehicle maintenance or plumbing, men will often take care of it alone. On the other hand, other tasks such as painting, will more often be done by women alone.
Today, more and more traditional tasks are no longer perceived as men’s burden, but as tasks that can be shared between both sexes, such as household chores. However, we see a faster evolution for daily tasks than for the “heavy work”.
Tensions in the couple as for household chores
However, the sharing of DIY tasks is not without friction and can be a source of tension within couples. Indeed, 52% of women in a relationship report disputes related to DIY. These tensions can arise from several factors. The first relates to traditional gender stereotypes that assign certain tasks to men and others to women. When these roles are challenged, it can cause misunderstandings and frustrations.
Furthermore, 37% of men have already prevented their partner from doing DIY, arguing that it is a “masculine” activity. These attitudes can not only create conflicts, but also reinforce the sense of shame in men who fail to perform a DIY task, as indicated by the fact that four out of ten men feel shame when they fail in a DIY task.
The study therefore raises complex questions about gender roles, the division of labor within couples, and the ability of women to invest in traditionally male domains. The figures indicate that women are ready to take their share of do-it-yourself projects, but are sometimes hampered by persistent gender prejudices.
Towards a homogenization of roles within the couple?
There is a certain stagnation in the distribution of domestic tasks, some being perceived as “feminine”, others as “masculine”. Despite significant progress resulting notably from highlighting the mental load of women, but also an increasing questioning of traditional gender roles, some responsibilities remain mainly devolved to men.
This research indicates that activities such as DIY, home maintenance, cars, or barbecuing largely remain masculine. However, it also highlights that women are increasingly seeking to empower and de-gender these tasks, which they predominantly consider as gender-neutral. However, in practice, there is a certain reluctance on the part of men to let women invest in these areas, which they consider an integral part of their gender role, or even a marker of their “virility”.
Even though the distribution of housework remains largely unbalanced, this does not mean that men do not contribute to the home. However, they focus more on exceptional, visible and socially valued tasks, which contribute to the improvement of the home. These tasks, although rewarding, are generally not as time-consuming as those performed daily by women.
This survey shows that society has advanced in terms of gender equality in domestic tasks, but there is still much to do, especially in the field of DIY. It is clear that the battle for gender equality is not limited to work or wages, but is rooted in our daily lives.