Do Chores Make Men Happier?

According to researchers from Cambridge University, husbands who do chores in the home are happier than those who do not. Sociologists used data from the European Social Survey, which compares values, attitudes, and behaviors across Europe. They compared responses from men and women regarding happiness and well-being, “work-life conflict,” and the amount of time spent on tasks like cooking, cleaning, laundry, shopping, etc.

The researchers expected to see women’s happiness levels rise when men shouldered more of the burden. Interestingly, it was the men who were happier, while their wives and girlfriends remained largely unmoved. According to the research, men who do more housework feel less guilt and experience less work-life conflict. In part, men are becoming more supportive of gender equality but women are also becoming more vocal.

“As a more equitable philosophy becomes the ideal, if you are experiencing something which doesn’t live up to that you are more ready to express dissatisfaction – and certainly that is what is perceived by men,” said Jacqueline Scott, professor of empirical sociology at Cambridge.

On the one hand, women are frustrated when men don't do their fair share of the housework and are expressing those feelings. However, many also want to make sure that the job is done right. Another study recently revealed that women in the UK spend three hours a week redoing chores they believe their partner hasn't done properly. No wonder women's happiness levels aren't rising as men take on more of the housework!

So, what do you think SodaHeads? Do chores make men happier?