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Article Title: Symmetry in Domestic Life: a Myth or Reality? The Case of Masvingo Urban Households, Zimbabwe
by Dekeza Clyton and Kufakunesu Moses

Abstract:
The study was an endeavour to verify the authenticity of the assertion that symmetry in domestic life is a myth by considering Masvingo urban households. The zeal to establish the trends in domestic life amid pressure exerted on the family institution by variables such as industrialisation, modernisation and gender advocacy has motivated the researchers to embark on the study. The liberal, Marxist and radical feminist perspectives informed the study. The descriptive survey research design was employed with semi-structured interviews and observations as the data collection instruments. A sample of eighty (80) households was purposively drawn. The study established that domestic chores were done more by women than by men although more symmetry in domestic life was found in households where both spouses were wage earners than in households in which one spouse was gainfully employed. Traditional practices such as the payment of bride wealth were found to be militating against symmetry in domestic life. The researchers recommended that feminist organisations and other stakeholders should step up efforts to disseminate information on gender equality in the private sphere coupled with creating more employment opportunities for women since wage earning was noted to be propitious for symmetry in domestic life.

Keywords: symmetry, domestic life, domestic chores, patriarchy, feminism, household, housemaid

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