The gendered division of housework in North America: A systematic review from 2014 to 2024

Abstract

This systematic review follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and examines empirical studies on the division of housework between mixed-gender partners in North America. Its objective is to provide a comprehensive overview of the determinants of that division and to critically review the methods used recently. Databases (PsycINFO, Scopus) were searched to identify empirical studies published in the last decade (2014–2024). Data including a summary of main results for the 38 included studies were extracted. All reviewed studies confirm that, in the past decade in North America, women have shouldered most of the responsibility for housework. Many of the determinants identified have a differential impact on men's and women's contributions to household labor, indicating that gender is intertwined with many personal and couple characteristics. Future studies should consider using dyadic and longitudinal designs to consider how both partners' characteristics interact and evolve over time.