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Rationalising inequality: heterosexual couples' explanations and justifications for the division of housework along traditionally gendered lines

This paper examines the explanations and justifications offered by dual-career heterosexual couples in defence of an unequal division of housework within their relationships. The article draws on individual semi-structured interviews conducted with 12 couples aged between 20 and 35, identified as a sample of the population that has the resources to capitalise on modern opportunities for gender equality in heterosexual relationships. Although all of the couples claim to aspire to equality, this translates into practice for only one of the couples interviewed. The research findings indicate that a number of the couples employ similar justifications, with both male and female respondents arguing that women have higher standards and are more competent performers of household chores, and that the division of labour is practical, based on the hours worked by both partners. The paper concludes that while couples continue to expend their time and effort in defending and justifying inequality, rather than in working to challenge it, heterosexual relationships will continue to be overwhelmed by traditional gender roles.