The Role of Househusband and Housewife as Perceived by a College Population

Abstract

The research literature frequently conveys the notion that gender roles are becoming less stereotypical. In this study the authors explored the question of how a college population views the role of househusband and housewife and if there are significant differences in role expectations. A 51-item questionnaire was constructed and administered to 526 college students. This sample was chosen because college students are likely to be assuming these roles in the near future. As predicted, the role expectations for house-husbands and housewives are not the same. Women tended to question the current structure of household roles more than did men, and the role of househusband was generally more negatively perceived. Reasons for these findings are discussed.

Key Words:

• gender role reversal
• househusbands
• housespouse
• housewives