Performance of Household Tasks by Vietnamese and Laotian Refugees

Abstract

This study adds to the research literature on ethnic diversity in families by providing information on traditional and present-day household task performance of Vietnamese and Laotian families. There were differences by ethnicity, but not by gender, among the respondents in patterns of household task performance traditionally and now. Traditional patterns apparently involved considerable sharing of tasks rather than—as is often assumed—such tasks being primarily performed by the wife. Comparisons of present-day with traditional patterns showed a change toward additional sharing and two patterns that suggest lack of consensus or a transition in role performance. Male Chinese-Vietnamese with lower English abilities, older Lao, and older ethnic Vietnamese who have lower English abilities and higher educational levels tended to say that more of the tasks are now done by others (not the wife) in the household.