The Sociology of Housework

by Ann Oakley

Overview

In this ground-breaking book, acclaimed sociologist Ann Oakley undertook one of the first serious sociological studies to examine women’s work in the home. She interviewed 40 urban housewives and analysed their perceptions of housework, their feelings of monotony and fragmentation, the length of their working week, the importance of standards and routines, and their attitudes to different household tasks. Most women, irrespective of social class, were dissatisfied with housework – an important finding which contrasted with prevailing views. Importantly, too, she showed how the neglect of research on domestic work was linked to the inbuilt sexism of sociology. This classic book challenged the hitherto neglect of housework as a topic worthy of study and paved the way for the sociological study of many more aspects of women’s lives.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781447349433
Publisher:	Policy Press
Publication date:	10/31/2018
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	270
File size:	6 MB

About the Author

Ann Oakley is Professor of Sociology and Social Policy at the UCL Institute of Education. A social researcher for more than 50 years, and author of many academic publications, she is also well known for her biography, autobiography and fiction. She founded both the Social Science Research Unit and the EPPI-Centre at the UCL Institute of Education, and has a long-term interest in gender, welfare, and the shaping of public policy.

Table of Contents

New Introduction vii

Note on Tables and Tests of Significance xiv

Preface and Acknowledgements to the Original Edition xv

1 The Invisible Woman: Sexism in Sociology 1

2 Description of Housework Study 27

3 Images of Housework 37

4 Social Class and Domesticity 57

5 Work Conditions 74

6 Standards and Routines 94

7 Socialization and Self-Concept 107

8 Marriage and the Division of Labour 129

9 Children 159

10 Conclusions 174

Appendix I Sample Selection and Measurement Techniques 190

Appendix II Interview Schedule 200

Notes 212

Index 235

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“Ann Oakley has uncovered the fascinating story of efforts to establish domestic science as a legitimate academic subject, once again bringing to bear her trademark perceptiveness, commitment, rigour and humour.” Graham Crow, University of Edinburgh