Can Men “Have It All”? A new study released earlier this week, “ACUMEN” by Break Media, documents a socioeconomic shift in male roles. The Acumen report is based on a 20-minute online survey conducted in July 2012 of 2,000 men ages 18-49 representative of the U.S. male population by age, marital status and ethnicity. NYC Dads Group met up with CBS News New York to share our thoughts about the study and the evolving role of men increasing their share of doing the grocery shopping, laundry, pet-care, preparing meals, and chores on the homefront. We’ve posted some highlights below documented by Business Wire, or visit here to read more about the study.
Survey Highlights posted by Business Wire:
Men at Home:
According to the Acumen Report, men’s roles at home and with family are at the epicenter of priorities. Over 90% of men believe that part of being a man is taking care of your family and those around you. An equal number say they would sacrifice their own needs to take care of their families. However, pressure to follow traditional gender roles at home still exists; nearly 3 of 4 men concur that society looks down on men who choose to stay at home. Further:
- 55% of men say they would love to be a stay-at-home dad.
- Over a quarter of men with children are solidified in the stay-at-home role, and among these men, nearly the same percentage (23%) admit it’s their responsibility to watch the kids alone, all the time.
- Yet, that’s not to say men have gone soft, commented Richman. “They express their masculinity through ‘small adventures’ from recreational sports to eating contests, and everywhere in between.” For example, 84% of men surveyed agree that every so often, they need to challenge themselves, “even if it’s weird or stupid.”
For guys, stepping into a larger role at home has also upended traditional household responsibilities. Acumen revealed that men now have an increasing responsibility for traditionally female tasks:
- 89% participate in grocery shopping
- 88% in pet care
- 85% in house cleaning
- 83% in doing laundry
- 80% in cooking evening meals
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