Institution of Marriage

Outline

I. Thesis: The institution of marriage is a shared union, which should include the sharing of housework.

II. PRO idea 1: Establishes respect

A. Exemplifies appreciation

B. Prevents resentment

III. PRO idea 2: Alleviates stress

A. Allows for relaxation

B. Prevents anger/bitterness

IV. CON(s) + Refutation(s)

A. Generational beliefs

B. Occupational hindrance

V. Conclusion

Spouses Sharing Housework Equally

Since the early nineteenth century, household chores have been known for being a burden on the wife instead of being equally distributed between both members of the marriage. The institution of marriage is a shared union, which should include the sharing of housework. Not only would this societal change establish respect within the marriage, but it would also alleviate stress among the husband and wife. Although a variety of occupations, and generational beliefs, are often used as a hindrance in the division of housework, a little give and take from both parties will provide for a much more harmonious home.

Respect is an essential characteristic often lacking in a marriage. Many times the wives are taken for granted when it comes to household chores. Often the husband is expected to do the outside maintenance and the wife is expected to complete the household chores. Thus, it is easy to take advantage of the hard work being performed on both ends. However, if couples would learn to divide responsibilities among each other and work together, a sense of value and appreciation would be shown more often toward one another. By helping each other out, spouses begin to see the importance and value of all the hard work being performed. In addition to respect and appreciation, sharing household duties will also lessen the amount of tension toward one another, which often causes resentment.

Stress is a widely known attribute many people possess today, especially in marriages. A major contribution is household chores, particularly when one person does all the work. As a result there is no longer time for relaxation. Although, if the couple accomplished all the responsibilities together, the amount of time spent working could be cut in half. This adjustment would allow more time for rest and relaxation, and lessen the amount of anger and bitterness within the marriage.

With the cost of living continually rising in our economy today, more often than not it takes the income of both the husband and the wife to