Do strictly male and female roles exist in families, and how to fairly divide household chores?
Are there male and female responsibilities in the family (photo: Getty Images)
Traditionally, it was believed that family roles were clearly defined: the husband was responsible for financial stability, while the wife took care of the household and raising the children. However, in modern society, these stereotypes are gradually fading, giving way to partnership and equality, says Ukrainian life coach and sexologist Vitalii Kursik.
Is division necessary?
Modern families demonstrate that a strict division of roles is no longer essential. The distribution of responsibilities is increasingly based on individual abilities, preferences, and work schedules, rather than gender.
"For example, if the husband is a good cook and the wife has a more stable income, it is natural for the roles to be reversed from traditional expectations," explains the expert.
More and more families feature women who focus on earning and building their careers, while men take on the role of caring for the children and managing household chores.
How to divide household duties?
The key factor is communication and agreement. A couple discuss which tasks each partner enjoys and which ones are less appealing, in order to find a balance.
It’s important to consider work schedules, workloads, and preferences to avoid feelings of inequality or exhaustion in one partner.
Modern family roles are based on support and mutual assistance. Flexibility and the willingness to adapt to each other help create harmony in family life.
"It’s also worth considering the option of external help – for instance, hiring assistants for cleaning or childcare, to allow more time for spending time together," recommends Vitalii Kursik.
According to the expert, the absence of rigid "male" and "female" duties in the family helps each partner express themselves and find a comfortable balance in relationships. The key is support and mutual understanding, which allows everyone to feel valued within the family.
