Part of this is because I am finishing my doctoral dissertation and don’t have much time to take care of the daily domestic chores. But this is just a part of it — much of it is because he’s just better at it and I just can’t seem to be bothered and because, let’s face it, he lets me get away with it. It’s a neat role reversal — if I were a man, this would just be your standard sexist household.

Do I feel guilty? Of course I do. But if I were scrupulously honest, I’d have to admit to a sense of satisfaction at subverting the gender stereotype (one that, by the way, my husband would share — he is every bit as feminist as I am). But let’s make no mistake — this is sexism too.

Payal – IMHO, no one can be a perfect feminist at all times; we live in a world that is shaped a certain way, and all of must choose the battles we want to fight, and the ones we want to drop.

Lolol – that ‘politics of housework’ sounds interesting. I once read a list by someone on the tasks as allotted to her and husband, and her own realization was that almost all the daily and time bound tasks were hers, whereas her husband’s were ‘big tasks’ as well but not daily ones and could be done at his own convenience. I’d say some of that applies to me as well, and may well to apply to most other women. I still view it as a positive change though – that men are taking on more household tasks than they once did.

Saika – good for you

Ammel – thanks for bringing that up. I must say, I am pretty ill-informed about it. Perhaps you would care to write something on the subject?

re-sister – thanks for de-lurking! Glad you shared your personal experience. I do think that such experiences while not “proof” as some commentors would demand, have something to say about women’s lives, and certainly, they are not isolated experiences. I think your experience illustrates quite well the transition we are going through when it comes to gender roles.