Sometimes we don’t place a lot of stock in the results of scientific studies. This happens when we think the researchers doing the particular study might be biased, or pointing something that’s already obvious to everyone. There have even been cases where the researcher may have fabricated the results of the entire study for their own selfish gain. All that being said, we shouldn’t completely disregard the findings of researchers. They’re hard working people, who can often raise some valid points. Take, for example, the findings of a recent study published Wednesday in the American Sociological Review which shows a link between the frequency heterosexual couples have sex in relation to how they split the household chores.
The study has found that when men stray from their traditional duties (Like cleaning the gutters and washing the car) and interfere in those tasks considered more suited to women (Such as laundry, dusting and vacuuming) they end up getting less sex than couples who keep things the way they were intended.
On average, the study showed an increase of 1.6 sexual encounters per month, added an average total of five sexual encounters a month.
Wait! There are couples out there who have sex as much as FIVE TIMES??? In ONE MONTH??? And they’re saying this could increase to as much as SEVEN SEXUAL ENCOUNTERS A MONTH!?!?!?! What are they, animals?!
Anyway, as co-author of the study, UW Associate Professor of Sociology, Julia Brines explains:
Where the male is doing the male tasks and the female is doing the female tasks, those are the couples (who) are having more sex.
This goes the common belief that women who get help in their traditional household chores are more appreciative of their male counterparts and, as such, more likely to let him tap that booty more frequently. Especially since the study also found that the women’s share of the housework is twice as much as the men’s household chores.
I know! I’m just as surprised by this as you.
The study got its results from the 1992 and 1994 U.S. National Survey of Families and Households where 4,500 couples were polled. Though the question of the fact that these polls were taken 20 years ago, Brines contends that there has been little change to what is considered “male” and “female” chores and how they are divided.
Of course, men, we can’t get too excited by this. We’re not excluded from helping around the house entirely and things such as helping with the childrearing are still applicable. Just know that the next time she tells you to put on that cute little apron and fire up the stove and she’ll reward you later, she’s probably just jerking your chain.
Likewise, ladies, before you slide under the family minivan to check the brakes (I know he said it’s because you’re so much slimmer than he is and can fit under there so much easier than he could), just remember he’s probably not going to find grease smears on your face as sexy as he says.
Andrea
02/01/2013
oh hogwash. what the researchers failed to take into account were those of us who won’t date or marry men that we have to wait on hand and foot, let alone have sex with. so maybe these women who buy into traditional gender roles skew the results.
Vinny C
02/02/2013
I guess there were different opinions 20 years ago. Okay, maybe more like 70 years ago
Kath
02/01/2013
oh.my.god. where do we start? again today, I call bullshit. researchers, my ass. just lazy men looking for an excuse not to help out. their thinking is if men do less around the house and get more sex, so if you continue the thought, the guys who do nothing around the house should be getting laid the most.
somehow, I don’t think so.
Vinny C
02/02/2013
Sadly, there are guys out there who may do the math & actually believe that.
Sarah
02/01/2013
Let me ask the obvious question– in these marriages where couples are having more sex because of their ‘traditional’ roles, does the woman really have a say? I think that’s an important confounding variable. If the woman, in her ‘traditional’ marriage, can’t speak up about the housework, can she speak up about their sex life? I doubt it.
Sorry guys– but what do you want more? A woman who actually wants to have sex with you, or a woman who has more sex with you as an obligation? Maybe she even sees it as one of the household chores she has to take care of…
Andrea
02/01/2013
oh good point! I hadn’t thought of that.
Vinny C
02/02/2013
I submit the fact the fact that prostitution is probably the one industry that has always remained successful throughout history, in answer to your question as to whether guys prefer sex out of obligation or willingly. The answer: We just want sex.
Completely Anonymous
02/01/2013
No comment.no comment.nocomment.ntt.
Vinny C
02/02/2013
I understand. Better safe than sorry. Right?
Pickleope
02/02/2013
Did they mention whether or not the sex was consensual? I’m guessing couples who still divide things into “men’s work” and “get back in the kitchen lil lady” also adhere to the “traditional” patriarchal idea of using the wife as a human jelly-sleeve with no regard to consent or mutual pleasure.
I’d love to see their scientific method, too because how do they measure or account for the one leading to the other? Post hoc fallacies are fun, though, right?
Wait, I just read their results were based on surveys gathered from two years of surveys dating back from the early 90′s?!? Yet I can’t get my scientific study on “even white boys got ta shout, baby got back” published? Screw you, American Sociological Review.