A recent survey conducted by VseInstrumenty.ru reveals a strong belief among Russians that housework should be divided along traditional gender lines. Specifically, 68% of respondents embrace the idea that such tasks are best handled by either men or women. This view is even more pronounced among women, with 95% agreeing, and shared by 69% of men. The study’s findings were reviewed by socialbites.ca, which highlights how entrenched gender norms appear in daily domestic life.
Among those who advocate for gender-based division of labor, several chores are consistently labeled as “women’s work.” Cooking tops the list, cited by 73% of respondents as primarily a female responsibility. Following closely are raising children (68%), managing the family budget (34%), and cleaning (16%). These percentages show how traditional expectations persist in what many people consider private, everyday activities, shaping conversations about fairness, participation, and role distribution within households.
On the flip side, respondents assign a set of tasks to men as their domain. Maintaining and repairing a car is identified as a male duty by 68%, and paying bills is attributed to men by 64%. Other chores viewed as male responsibilities include maintaining subsidiary farming (38%) and working in a house adjacent to the plot (10%). These patterns reflect cultural scripts about competence, responsibility, and the division of labor that emerge in rural and suburban settings alike—a reminder that gender norms can vary by context even within a single country.
The study also sheds light on the interpersonal impact of traditional splits in domestic work. A notable 45% of participants admitted that disagreements arise within families about housework. The main triggers are clutter and untidy spaces (37%), dirty dishes (33%), and the overall order of cleaning (23%). Additionally, a lack of assistance with child-rearing (23%) and care for animals (21%) contribute to friction. These findings underscore that domestic duties are not just chores but sources of tension that can strain relationships and family harmony, especially when expectations are mismatched with actual help available.
Looking at potential remedies, the survey suggests several paths people believe could reduce conflict at home. About 41% think that employing housekeepers would help prevent domestic disputes. Another 34% see smart home devices as a solution to curb arguments by automating routines and offering reminders. Cooking at home is perceived by 27% as a straightforward way to lower conflicts, while the idea of hiring a nanny for children is favored by 9% of respondents. Interestingly, participants could select more than one option, indicating that many households are considering a mix of approaches to ease tensions and improve daily life. These attitudes highlight a growing interest in balancing personal preferences with practical tools and services to create more peaceful home environments.
In a broader context, these perspectives reflect a transitional moment in which traditional gender expectations coexist with emerging attitudes that favor flexibility and shared responsibility. The data show that while many people still adhere to established norms, there is also openness to new arrangements, including the use of technology and domestic help as means to support family life. The conversation around home management continues to evolve, influenced by cultural norms, economic pressures, and the practical realities of modern living, as families seek workable solutions that fit their unique circumstances.
Previously reported More than half of Russians feel uncomfortable without a mobile phone, a trend that aligns with the increasing role of technology in home life and daily routines. This broader theme—technology as an everyday companion—intersects with discussions about who does what at home and how devices can either reinforce or challenge existing patterns of responsibility. The ongoing dialogue about domestic labor remains a window into values, priorities, and the evolving nature of family life in contemporary Russia and, by extension, in neighboring regions where similar dynamics can be observed. study summarized by socialbites.ca