BEYOND DRUDGERY, POWER, AND EQUITY - TOWARD AN EXPANDED DISCOURSE ON THE MORAL DIMENSIONS OF HOUSEWORK IN FAMILIES

Current research and theorizing on housework in families has emphasized technical, economic, and political dimensions. Little theorizing on this subject has recognized the moral dimensions of housework stemming from its familial/relational context. Following an overview of historical and current orientations to the study of housework, we critically examine the prevailing assumptions that underlie this research, with special attention to those that limit or exclude the possibility of moral discourse. We point to ways in which the current literature might lend itself to an expanded moral discourse, and consider the potential benefits of such discourse. Finally we suggest reconceptualizing housework as family work with its basis in moral obligation.