Money talks : a critique of gender and class relations in the family : a thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts, Massey University

Abstract

This study is about the relationship between women and men in the household. The impact of the non-domestic sphere on the domestic sphere, and vice-versa, is its focus. It explores control over financial resources and the allocation of domestic tasks. Despite a common belief between husbands and wives of more egalitarian ideals operating in both the non-domestic and domestic spheres, this study confirms that inequalities continue. Both gender and class condition the roles of women and men, and the distribution of resources in the household. Overall, men still hold more control over resources than women. However, women with tertiary qualifications, marketable skills and the material resources, had more control over money management and task allocation in their homes relative to women who were either full-time housewives and mothers, or were part of the secondary labour market.