While couples without a clear or equal chore division may encounter quarrels over who does what, a recent survey finds the divorce rate among couples sharing chores equally is about fifty per cent higher than those in which wives do more or most of the housework, which can be a slap in the face for gender equality.

The researchers explain that modern couples organize their marriage and work out the tasks and duties, which may gradually turn their marriage into a business or contractual relationship. The woman may gradually feel less needed or happy and what's worse is that no one would care to help if something is not among their assigned chores. That seems to encourage conflicts rather than conflict resolution skills.

On the contrary, in families without equal task division women tend to be responsible for more chores than men. While they believe they can exchange their roles for their husbands', many women believe they are most naturally suited for certain tasks. They simply enjoy being involved in their children's activities, which means more chores for them. This group of women also report more marital satisfaction.

The survey also aimed to find out whether women's were happier if men shared more of the burden. In fact, they find that men report fewer family conflicts and greater well-being while women appear to be largely unmoved. This may be partly because they feel less guilty or simply learn how to have a quiet life.