Girls and women continue to bear a disproportionate share of household responsibilities, including caretaking, meal preparation, and cleaning, from childhood into adulthood[1][2][3]. Research indicates that girls take on household duties such as child-rearing, cooking, and housecleaning at higher rates than boys, affecting their time, development, and access to activities that promote growth[1].
International data consistently show that girls spend more time on unpaid caregiving and chores than boys, a pattern established early in life and reinforced by parental role models[3][4]. For example, young women are more likely than young men to spend at least an hour a day on cooking and housework, even among those aged 18–24[4]. These patterns often persist into adulthood, especially in households with children, where 91% of women spend at least an hour daily on housework, compared with only 30% of men[4].
In the U.S., women are primarily responsible for key household tasks, including laundry, cleaning, and meal preparation. They are also more likely to make decisions about home décor, care for children, shop for groceries, and wash dishes[2]. Although men contribute more in dual-income households, women’s share remains consistently higher across most tasks[2].
Despite the burdens, research highlights that involvement in chores can foster valuable skills in girls, such as responsibility, time management, and discipline, which are linked to later success in education and careers[3]. Families that encourage equitable chore distribution can help break down traditional gender roles and set all children up for future success[3].
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