More than a list of simple instrumental tasks, housework is a complex set of interpersonal exchanges between couples, maintains Jennifer Grech

Pragmatism comes into play with household chores – the washing up won’t do itself. One study found men are doing two-and-a-half times as many domestic tasks than in 1965.

In the past couple of months, if not years, I have spent a lot of time thinking about housework and men.

Yes, they are two words that don’t often mix.

But as we celebrate International Women’s Day, probably more than just a few Maltese men will be undertaking all the household duties today – from sweeping and cleaning the floors, washing the laundry, cleaning the bathroom – perhaps the most dreaded but necessary job – and cooking dinner, so that their women can enjoy a full day of rest.

More than constituting a series of simple instrumental tasks, household work represents a complex set of interpersonal exchanges that enable family members to achieve (or fail to achieve) solidarity and cohesiveness. It’s not at all a case of men being sexist and expecting their wives to do the chores.

Of course, there will be some men who truly believe housework is a woman’s job. They may have been brought up that way and no one may have ever challenged their belief.

However, in some households, men are doing more housework than women, often a result of shifting demographics, whereby women are working just as many, if not more, hours than men.

The Bible provides some general guidance in its passages about the roles and responsibilities of husbands and wives.

Husbands, for example, are called to be “head of the wife, as Christ also is head of the Church” and to “love your wives just as Christ also loved the Church and gave Himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:23, 25).

They are to manage their households well (1 Timothy 3:4) and provide for their families (1 Timothy 5:8).

In a recent study titled ‘What’s holding women back from the highest echelons of leadership’, a recurring theme is the revolution at home – or the lack thereof.

It is accepted that men have generally made room for women at the workplace. But the home front remains more of a battleground.

Most studies suggest that women are carrying the heavy end of the domestic load. Men are catching up... but they are beginning to stagger a bit under the weight.

According to an interesting Pew Research Centre study, men have taken on vastly more of the domestic workload than they did in 1965 – about two-and-a-half times as much.

No surprises there. But a very small percentage of fathers bear the brunt of the housework and childcare.

Mums still spend about twice as much time with their children as dads do (13.5 hours per week for mothers in 2011, compared with 7.3 hours for fathers, according to Pew).

It’s not at all a case of men being sexist and expecting their wives to do the chores

Well, my husband Massimo had no idea when we got married nearly 13 years ago that he was signing up for a life as my ‘saviour’.

Five years ago, I discovered I had MS (multiple sclerosis). At first I was in denial and did not want to hear about my condition... when I should have learned everything I could about this disease.

But soon enough I realised how it affects nerves in the brain and spinal cord, causing problems with vision, balance and movement.

Before, I used to be able to blow through the house in an hour, dusting and mopping while running a few loads of laundry.

I never anticipated that one day it would take an extra effort simply to get out of bed in order to go to work.

I can no longer clean the house like I would like to. I am in pain almost every day.

I also know that losing weight will help me feel better about myself and I do make an effort to stick to a healthy diet.

I have recently added some exercise to my daily routines, which actually gives me a few hours of numb muscles (no pain).

My husband is pragmatic about chores. He likes to have the house clean, so he needs to clean the house.

Besides, he does more of the cooking and dishwashing on a daily basis.

I am indeed thankful and appreciate all the things my husband is doing for me.

He definitely makes a big difference in my life and I can proudly say that I celebrate Women’s Day every day.