Family Activity Patterns as related to the symmetry in the division of labour in the family,children’s socialization to work and the significance of work to the parents

The paper is based on empirical material collected in connection with the research project ‘Way of life in the family parental awareness of parenthood, and children’s social development’. The sample consisted of 212 families with both parents and a six-year-old child. It was relatively homogeneous with regard to the educational background of the parents. Comparisons were made between groups of families which differed with regard to (1) symmetry in the division of labour, (2) socialization of children to work, and (3) the relative significance of work vs. family life to the parents. Symmetry in the division of labour was strongly reflected in the family time consumption patterns and their common interests. The parents active role as instigators of common activity was also related to both time consumption and interests. The particular characteristics of work-centred families were described. The wife’s employment status and the nature of her work was associated with the family was of life, while the husband’s work was less important in this respect. Interpretations were made in terms of the trend of changes in the division of labour in the family and children’s socialization to work.