Emma Kenny on equality in lockdown

As the third lockdown endures, experts warn that the strain on the household caused by the increased time spent at home could lead to further inequality, creating a generation of young adults that have a skewed perception of self and gender roles.

New data, released by home appliance brand Indesit, reveals that almost 68% of women feel that in the last year they have had to juggle more household chores than ever before. Although 66% of women believe that they are setting a good example by sharing household duties with their family, promoting equality where they can, 67% still feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of chores and tasks that fall to them and over a third (36%) have to do everything themselves. However, while women tend to do the chores more often, men are often found doing their bit by taking on the dirty work by washing dishes (65%), hauling out the rubbish (65%) or vacuuming (62%).

With the increased time spent at home, the findings also highlight that over half of parents are concerned that, as their children copy their actions, for example observing one parent in particular take on the lion’s share of the workload and having to sacrifice their own work or lifestyle commitments, children will learn to emulate this behaviour. 

Ros spoke to psychologist Emma Kenny: