Research on the burden and division of housework and childcare when working from home or closed school, such as Kyoto University

The burden and sharing of housework and childcare when working from home or closed from school is Kyoto University survey May 8, 7:01

Research groups such as Kyoto University investigated what kind of changes are being made in homes by measures such as working from home and closing school to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus.

As a result, it was found that many women felt that the burden of housework and childcare increased, especially for women with children, and the research group said, "As the period lasts, the division of roles within the home becomes important." I point out.

Professor Emiko Ochiai's research group at Kyoto University conducted a questionnaire on the Internet last month to target more than 300 men and women who worked at home and their families at home. I asked them to write freely about things that made me happy.

As a result, about 20% of men answered that the amount of housework and child care increased, while about 35% of women answered.

Among them, more than 40% of the women with children said, "I have two children in addition to my husband, so I can not rest my mind, eating, snacking, cleaning up".

On the other hand, about the good thing about working from home was that commuting time was the most common in about 30% of the total, but for those with children, the improvement of family relations was the most common with more than 40%. I will.

The proportion of men reached nearly 50%, and they answered, “I have more time to spend with my family” and “I can have a leisurely dinner together on weekdays”.

Professor Ochiai said, "It is the division of labor in the house that separates those who think that the burden of housework has increased from those who do not, and among men," I understood the situation of my wife's housework. " I've also cooked myself, but it's fresh and fun. "It's important to review the division of roles in the home as work from home becomes longer."

Woman complaining of poor physical condition due to increased burden

Some women have complained of poor physical condition due to the increased burden of housework and childcare, such as working from home and leaving their children at school.

According to Director Naomi Ono of the Megumi Clinic Meguro, an internal medicine clinic in Meguro-ku, Tokyo, the burden of housework and childcare increased among patients who complain of headaches and chest pains whose cause is unclear since March. It is said that there are cases where you feel stress.

Of these, the woman who complained of severe stiff shoulders, headaches, and sleep difficulties was initially unclear, but her child was closed to school, so her husband who worked hard at home and worked at home had her husband at home. It turned out that it was a burden to be careful to do the work.

Mr. Ono said, “I have a belief in myself that it is natural for a mother to do everything in the home as a woman, and I am doing my best. It is also because my husband does not understand that. I point out.

On top of that, the emergency declaration was extended to 31st of this month, and even if it wasn't too big, it often appeared as a physical symptom if the stress condition lasted for 2 months or 3 months. I am worried about the increase. "

Opportunity to change the way you work and your relationship with your family

On the other hand, some men say that they have become more involved in housework and childcare because they spend more time at home, such as working from home.

Ryusuke Urushima (36) from Kawasaki City is a family of four, with his wife (38) taking childcare leave, his eldest daughter at the age of five, and his eldest son at the age of two.

Until now, Mr. Urushima leaves his home at 6:30 every morning, commute to a company in Yokohama city for one hour, and returns home at around 8:00 at night, so he has little time to interact with children on weekdays. was.

However, since he started working from home on the 10th of last month, the whole family is now able to eat meals, and his wife cooks the dishes, while Urushima-san makes the children eat.

He said that he was spending more time with his children, and his eldest son, Kentaro, was able to connect with Urushima-san, and he was able to understand the meaning of the words he spoke.

Mr. Urushima said, “I feel more aware as a father. When I am in trouble, I understand that it is broken and I am looking forward to seeing how it changes.”

In the past, when Ryusuke came home, his wife Yuko was often tired of housework and childcare and slept with her children, but by sharing housework and childcare, It is said that he was able to take time to have a conversation with the couple.

Mr. Yuko said, “In the morning, if one adult is added, it will be much easier. Usually I did not have time to talk with my husband, but now I can eat dinner together and get rid of it together. It has made it easier for me. "

In addition, Mr. Urushima said, “I can exchange a little bit of thoughts and thoughts. I would like to think about changing the way of working, such as working from home on a weekday. I think that it is an opportunity to change the way I work and my relationship with my family.