Machonurin:

A Case Study on Gender Role Reversal

inside the Household

Lomarda, Randall Cahn B.

Rodeo, Almaiza Marie F.

Sunga, Maria Gaudette Joy F.

SOC110 - C

Introduction

Background of the Study

Roles had change over time. What might have been considered

as traditional behaviors from the past may not be fully accepted

today. Role differentiation between husband and wife is changing

towards greater equality. Aside from the traditional wife/mother

role, where the wife’s obligations include bearing and tending

children, household chores, and other productive works, married

women today may now assume the partner role of being economically

independent as co-breadwinner.

In the Philippines, the traditional division of labor is no

longer portrayed and several overlapping of roles have been

presented. Indeed, Medina (2001) mentioned that,

“Husbands of working women today have started to realize

that they should lend a hand in household chores to help

their wives, and that the responsibility of earning a living

should not rest entirely on them because of the right of the

wife to work at will”.

Certain factors such as increase of women labor, waning supply of

housemaids, withdrawal of job markets, and tougher competition

among many applicants are specifically identified that could

[2]

possibly change attitudes towards this new concept of

househusband. Men’s role shifted from an older traditional model

of the hardworking breadwinner to a father who is personally and

emotionally involved in day-to-day child nursing.

Having a househusband is somehow a coping mechanism for the

family wherein it is an opportunity for the wife to work

independently and further provide the needs of the family. Also,

because of the changing economic status of the country, the wife

needs to abandon her ‘role’ and hand the task to her husband

(Cangco, 2012). Some says that being a househusband is an opening

or chance for the husband to prosper his relationship towards the

children, while others would say that it is a challenge amongst

men to stand correctly against the society’s stereotyping. If in

the previous years, men are considered ‘under the saya’ – well not

anymore. Being a househusband fosters their rights in dealing

with the productive works in which their wives had managed

before.

Since the Philippines has a traditionally-bound patriarchal

culture, many seem to view househusbands negatively. They

misunderstood the roles in which the wife abandoned and has

passed onto the husband. Also, they continually question the

husband’s ability in taking part and managing the household

himself. With this, the researchers would like to find out and

understand the gender role reversal happening inside the

household nowadays, particularly among Filipino families. In

[3]

order to explain the phenomenon, the researchers also would like

to seek out the effects of the situation in the marital

relationship and in the typical family dynamics, as well.

Review of Related Literature *citations

Traditional husband and wife roles nowadays are continuously

changing, shifting into a contemporary fair play. The concept of

“role differentiation” formulated by Parsons and Bales (1955)

applies to the traditional perspective of husband/wife roles. In

the traditional role differentiation, the male is responsible for

the family’s relationships with the outside world while the

female is responsible for the family’s internal needs. Parsons

and Bales believe this to be a universal feature not only of the

family but also of all social groups.

A househusband is a term used to refer to a man who lives

with a partner and carries out household duties traditionally

done by a housewife rather than working outside the home. The

term started out as jokes by women around the 1960s when more

women started to join the labor force. We think that the concept

of “househusbands” is new to our ears. Eventually, it started

hundred years ago before the industrial revolution. Study shows

that most men of that generation were stay-at-home fathers. They

are skilled at comforting crying babies, and these men know how

to bathe their children.

[4]

There are really men who are very dedicated in being a

father. One example is the Aka Pymies. They live in the jungles

of the western Congo basin. Aka men are famously called as the

world’s most dedicated dads. 47% of their day is intended for

holding their children or watching the babies beyond their reach.

An Aka man can actually calm his crying infant in the night, and

can even offer his nipple for gentle suck. According to Barry

Hewlett, the one who studied about Aka Pymies, there is a reason

for the high paternal involvement of the Aka. This may be due to

the traditional survival activity which is the net hunt or the

venture to trap small animals. Both men and women are involved in

this said activity. But the men have the responsibility for

carrying their babies over the long distance of venture. Hewlett

said that the more childcare Aka men do, the more they become

attached to their children. Once they start getting involved with

childcare, they don’t want to stop. There is also a similar case

in Europe. In the 18th century, when the Europeans arrived in

Tahiti, they were surprised to find that women could become

chiefs while men regularly cooked and looked after the children.

With all of the stated situations, the main question is how we

ended up today with women doing all of the housework and

childcare. The explanation for it is patriarchy: that during

industrial revolution, men used their skills by doing most of the

new factory jobs, leaving women inside their homes.

With the changing dynamics of the society, studies have been

showing a slightly developing shift between so-called “gender-

[5]

specific” roles. Traditionally speaking, men are known to be

engaged to more labor intensive jobs (Charles, 2003). Although

this is evident for a long time, due to events such as gender

equality movements, women empowerment, access to education for

all, etc; more on more women are becoming competitive in the

labor market that they are able to penetrate what used to be a

male dominated career.

Labor force participation (in terms of sex) trends have

changed over the years across the globe. According to the

International Labour Office (ILO), the female Labor Force

Participation Rate (LFPR) increased from 50.2% to 51.7% between

1980 to 2008 while the male LFPR decreased from 82.0% to 77.7%.

This trend can be observed in almost all of the regions of the

world (ILO, 2010). Likewise, the female labor force participation

has increased especially in the past 40 years. Averaging at 50.3%

of LFPR in which 45% of it is comprised of overseas jobs (Focus

on the Philippines, 2009). Although there is an evident increase

in the female labor force participation rate, there is still a

big discrepancy compared to the male LFPR which averages at

81.88%. This data would clearly show that the norm in terms of

family and household aspects in the Filipino context is that men

are still expected to provide and act as breadwinners to the

family.

Given this situation, things may be quite different from

households with the wives as the provider and the husbands stay

[6]

at home to do what traditional housewives do. In both national

and community level, there is said to be a certain type of

stigmatization to househusbands since they are traditionally

expected to be providers instead of staying home (Pingol, 2001).

It was also found in a study that women overseas workers remit as

much as 70% of their earnings; this then shows that women and

Filipinas in general remit more and with greater regularity

compared to men (GMIM, 2005) (IOM, 2004). This translates to them

gaining more power for decisions regarding household issues and

children (Pingol, 2001).

Objectives

The research in general seeks the following:

to clearly define and describe the ongoing phenomena

of gender role reversal in the household level;

to determine the various factors that shape the

husbands’ decision regarding their entry to being a

househusband in the contemporary world;

to identify the various effects of role reversal to

the current marital relationships given that such

situation is not completely conventional; and

to clearly describe the dynamics of the families put

into such situation – how they come up with decisions,

division of labor in the household, and how these

families adapt to changes, etc.

[7]

Significance of the Study

The research contributes to the enforcement of the decisions

individuals take, most specifically in applying decisions

regarding structure and dynamics of a family for practical

considerations; especially for the issue of gender role reversal

where it is not currently the norm in terms of a typical Filipino

family.

The research also seeks to lessen the society’s stereotypes

and stigmatization towards families who engage to gender role

reversal in the household through providing first-hand

information from these families themselves; most especially for

househusbands who continue to struggle from the issue of

stigmatization.

This research may serve as a reference material for future

studies and researches which are likely to tackle similar issues

about gender role reversal, Filipino family dynamics, and

househusbands in which this paper will be focusing on.

Theoretical Framework

Power relations inside the family will be different if there

will be the househusband. Patriarchal system is very strong here

in the Philippines. The fathers are usually the ones who have the

[8]

authority or the power in the family. The main reason for this is

because fathers are the moneymakers. When the wife earns for the

family’s living and the husband stays at home only, the case will

be different. The wife will be more powerful between the couple

because she brings money to the family. Therefore, the one who

makes money will probably be the one who gains the authority

among the family members. There is indeed changing power

relations inside the family especially when wages are involved.

About the housework, it can be shared by the couple or agreed

upon who will do more work and who will do less work. Usually the

wage-earner does less homemaking because s/he is tired of the

work throughout the day with his job outside. Mostly, the couples

decide to make their children engaged also to housework

especially if they don’t have classes. Division of labor in the

family is discussed by the couple and agreed upon for unity and

harmony within the family.

Methodology

Participants, Methods, Design, and Measure of Analysis

Qualitative method was used by the researchers in obtaining

descriptive information about househusbands and gender role

reversal in the household. Interviews were conducted for the

collection of data. Questions in the interview ranged from basic

information about the respondents’ family structure to

information about the dynamics of the family, adjustment,

[9]

division of labor and the likes. Answers were then organized and

analysed through the use of thematic table.

The researchers used purposive sampling in choosing the

respondents. The researchers further considered several

characteristics in which the respondent, or rather the husband,

should acquire: one who stays at home and possibly do all the

productive works by himself, his wife working either here in the

Philippines or abroad, has at least stayed at home for 2-3 months

now, and could be earning yet it is practically insufficient for

his family. Three husbands were selected and interviewed.

Results and Discussion

At first, the researchers have hinted a positive event of

gender role reversal in the household. The wife stepping out and

leaving the house to provide and satisfy the family’s needs,

while the husband being left out, works and manages inside the

house, earning the title of househusband. In that given

situation, one could obviously imply that there is a gender

reversal amongst roles. And with this, the researchers conducted

a study to acquire information and understand if there really is

a gender role reversal phenomenon happening amongst Filipino

families.

Factors considered that shape the husbands’ decision regarding their entry to being a househusband

[10]

In association with the data gathered during interviews, the

researchers found out that the status of living and amount of

income in the household are being considered as the factors

positively leading to the decision of being a househusband. One

of our respondents, participant no. 2, says:

“Sakripisyo dahil sa hirap ng buhay. Iisipin niyo kung sino

ang mas malaki ang kinikita sa paghahanap-buhay, siya na

lang ang maghanap-buhay.”

Specifically, the husband’s salary has not satisfied the needs of

his family, thus the wife comes to the rescue by working and

later, providing the family on her own. Looking at the situation

of poverty here in the Philippines, one could simply assume that

anyone should be practical enough to survive and to continue

living. Any possible sacrifice is needed enough to last one’s

life, especially if you are sustaining a number of people or your

family perhaps.

Also, the normal decision making process (usually for small

details or issues in the family) depends really on who knows

better about the issue or has more experience, but when major

issues are put into concern, both the husband and the wife weighs

their ideas and bases the decision upon them.

Effects of role reversal to the current marital relationships

Somehow, there has been a positive relationship between the

househusbands and their wives. The idea or the situation has even[11]

made their marital relationship even stronger than before. No

difficulties were presented, but if there are, those should be

considered and/or regarded as minimal and trouble-free problems

which are resolved easily.

Participant no. 3 was very eager and enthusiastic as he

answered and told us about his marital relationship. As he said,

“Taliwas sa mga biro ng ibang kamaganak ko, hindi naman

ganun kasama. Feeling ko nga lalo pa kami nagkasundo. At

least nauunawaan namin ang isa’t isa; kung pano magtrabaho,

pano mamahala sa bahay, atbp. Wag ka lang magpaapekto siguro

sa sasabihin ng iba. Basta nabubuhay at napapalaki mo ng

tama ang mga anak mo.”

It could be hinted that it was just a matter of perspective

whether people would see the setup of such as good or bad. As for

participant no. 3’s statements, they were able to overcome

societal stigmatization and are able to focus on the good side of

it. For them, as long as it is serving its purpose, which is to

support family necessities, there will be no problem.

Results showed that with the idea of being househusband,

instead of fading, the marital relationship gets stronger and

tougher than before. There has been a better development of

understanding between the husband and wife. This therefore

suggests that the gender role reversal phenomenon, or

househusband, does not have negative effects towards the marital

relationship.

[12]

Family dynamics within the ‘househusband’ situation

The household dynamics such as decision-making, division of

labor, economic employment, and relationship towards the wife and

the children were considered in the study. These dynamics would

easily point out whether there really is the occurrence of gender

role reversal within the family.

With the patriarchal culture, it is traditionally the

men/husbands who make decisions for the family because there is

the recognition of male dominancy. Yet according to what our

respondents told us, patriarchy is currently on the process of

being left behind. Two out of three respondents replied that most

of the decisions in their family were equally settled by both

husband and wife. Since both have an equal significance in the

family when it comes to deciding matters, one can say that it is

structured by egalitarian. Contrary to the traditional

patriarchy, it could be seen that several are now shifting onto

the advanced world – egalitarian policy.

One of the household dynamics inside the family is division

of labor, or rather simply household chores. Wives are expected

to do this productive work aside from tending their children, in

which most of the time, complaints and exhaustion are expressed

[13]

analogous. But with the sudden presence of househusband, the

‘role’ or the task was single-handedly passed onto the husband’s

responsibility.

Mostly equal distribution of household chores amongst the

members, even the children are expected to help. Due to practical

purposes and given the situation, the father is really in charge

of doing most of the housework since he is the one at home and is

regarded as the homemaker. But basically, there is recognition of

male power. There is a notion that says men should do most of the

chores since biologically speaking, he is stronger compared to

his wife.

Economic employment was also considered given that it is one

of the factors that affect the husband’s decision in entry to

being a househusband. Again, two out of three responded that

income has to do with who would keep working and who would stay

at home and babysit the children. With something as crucial as

financing, it would really depend on the one who was able to earn

enough. Discussing the situation at hand, the wives are the one

sustaining the family since there is an account of househusband

in the picture. It seems that the wife’s earnings are higher than

the husband’s, thus there is no establishment of patriarchal

system.

Social interactions and relationships between family

members, particularly to the husband are seen significant in this

[14]

study. As Participant no. 3 was asked about his relationship with

his children, he favorably answered:

“Siguro naging pabor sa akin yung ganitong sitwasyon, kasi

noong dati ako yung nagtatrabaho, si misis yung nag-aalaga

sa mga anak namin, ngayon siya naman yung nagtatrabaho, ako

naman ang mas may oras sa kanila. At least pareho kami

nagkaroon ng pagkakataon na mas maging malapit sa anak

namin.”

It simply implies that the situation turned out to be favorable

for both of them in terms of being full time parents and

connecting with their children. As he explained it, they both got

the chance to really bond with their children at some point in

time. Positive relationship suggests that the children must have

adhered to their father, understanding and agreeing upon the

situation in which their mother is away and working to provide

them.

The husband’s relationship to his wife is of course regarded

significantly for the situation to work out evenly. All of the

respondents inevitably agreed into one unified answer and that

is, having an intimate relationship with their wives indicates

good marital relationship. Also, it was found out that there is

an effort provided by the husband in attempt to prosper and

lengthen the relationship. A devoted husband may be seen slightly

puny for being ‘masculine’ or the traditional ‘macho’ image since

[15]

it is not ordinary for them to bow down and see someone higher

than them.

Objectives Method Results

1. Define and

describe the

phenomena of

gender role

reversal in the

household level

interview

There is a positive

event of gender role

reversal in the

household.

Considering the

structure of family

dynamics, it could be

easily concluded that

there is reversal of

roles between

husbands and wives.2. Identify the

factors leading

to the decision

of gender role

reversal

interviewTwo factors are

considered, and which

are also answered by

the respondents, the

status of living and

the amount of income.3. Identify the

effects of such

in the marital

relationship

interviewThe gender role

reversal phenomenon,

or househusband, does

not have negative

effects towards the [16]

marital relationship,

contrary to that, the

situation has clearly

made their marital

relationship even

stronger than before.

4. Determine the

family dynamics

given such

situation

interview

Husbands still hold

their position in

making decisions.

Equal division of

labor amongst family

members, yet there

has been an

expectation to the

husband to do mostly

the household chores.

Wives are

economically

employed, providing

the needs for the

family. Positive

relationship between

the husbands and

their wives and

children. In short,

there had clearly

[17]

been a role reversal

inside the household.

Q1: Within your family, who’s the one responsible for making

decisions most of the time?

Participa

nts

Raw Data/Narratives Meaning Interpretation

1“Tatay”(Father)

The

father/husband

is the head of

the family,

that is why he

is the one

responsible for

decision-

making.

Patriarchal

culture is

still being

practiced.

Fathers/husband

s still

maintain their

status within

the family.

2

“Parehas lang kami

dahil bawat desisyon

sa loob ng isang

pamilya ay dapat ay

pinag-uusapan ng

The decision-

making process

is equally

distributed in

the husband and

Both the

husband and the

wife have an

equal

significance in

[18]

bawat mag-asawa bago

ito pagdesisyunan.”(We're just the same as

every decision within a

family should be

discussed before it

should be decided.)

the wife. the family when

it comes to

deciding

matters. One

can say that it

is structured

by egalitarian.

3

“Depende sa

sitwasyon eh. Pero

pag malalaking

family decisions,

talagang pinag-

uusapan namin ng

masinsinan(It depends on the

situation. But when it

comes to major family

concerns, we really talk

about it.)

The normal

decision making

process

(usually for

small details

or issues in

the family)

depends really

on who knows

better about

the issue or

has more

experience, but

when major

issues are put

into concern,

both the

husband and the

wife weighs

Both (the

husband and

wife) have a

say on things

regarding

household

issues. Only at

some point in

decision making

that one is

followed and it

in times that

require

immediate

decision

making.

[19]

their ideas and

bases the

decision upon

them.Q2: Are the household chores equally distributed or it is you, the

husband, or your wife doing the chores?

Participa

nts

Raw Data/Narratives Meaning Interpretation

1“Syempre, pantay-

pantay”(Of course, equally)

Equal

distribution of

household

chores means

all of the

members work

accordingly.

No inequality

and unfairness

between the

members suggest

a harmonious

relationship.

2

“Dapat ay

nagtutulungan ang

bawat mag-asawa

mahirap man o

magaang gawain sa

bahay ngunit bilang

isang lalaki mas

kinakailangang mas

masipag o mas marami

kang magagawa sa

loob ng tahanan.”

There is

recognition of

male power.

There is a

notion that

says men should

do most of the

chores since

biologically

speaking, he is

stronger

Patriarchal in

nature, yet the

husband is also

considered to

take part in

doing

productive

works.

[20]

(Every couple must work

together with the

housework, but as a man

it is necessary that you

can do more in the

home.)

compared to his

wife.

3

"Syempre sa

sitwasyon ngayon,

ako madalas ‘yung

gumagawa sa bahay

kasi buong araw nasa

opisina yun eh. Pero

‘pag uwi niya,

tumutulong pa din

naman siya.

Iniinsist naman niya

eh”(of course, given the

situation now, I usually

do most of the house

chores since she is in

the office the whole

day. But when she comes

home, she helps in some

of the chores. She

insists on it anyways.)

Due to

practical

purposes and

given the

situation, the

father is

really in

charge of doing

most of the

housework since

he is the one

at home.

It is only

distributed

depending on

the

availability of

the person to

the. As the

current set up

of this family,

since the

husband has

more time in

the house, he

is responsible

for most of the

house work.

Q3: Who is the one financing the family?

Participa Raw Data/Narratives Meaning Interpretation

[21]

nts

1“Pareho – nanay at

tatay”(Both – mother and

father)

Both parents

provide for the

family, thus

equality in

economic

employment.

No inequality,

but since the

husband is left

with the

children while

the wife works

far away, it

seems that the

wife’s earnings

are higher than

the husband’s.

2“Yun aking asawa.”

(My wife)

The wife keeps

the family,

thus there is

no

establishment

of patriarchal

system.

Patriarchal

culture is

being left

behind, somehow

moving onto

egalitarian.

3

“Nung dati ako, pero

simula nang umalis

ako ng trabaho,

karamihan siya na.”(Back then, it was me.

But when I left my job,

she took over most of

them.)

With something

as crucial as

financing, it

would really

depend on the

one who was

able to earn

It again

depends on the

one who has

resources to

provide. In

this case there

had been a

[22]

enough. shift in terms

of providing

for the family

(financially

speaking).

Q4: State/explain the relationship with the children.

Participa

nts

Raw Data/Narratives Meaning Interpretation

1

“Sila’y hindi basta’t

mga anak lang, sila un

sundalo ng tahanan at

kasangga sa mga

gawaing-bahay,

kabiruan at kalaro.”(They are not only

children, but also

assistants in dealing

with household chores, a

friend and pal.)

Children are

treated not

only as

siblings but

also as

friends, which

help out with

the household

chores.

There must have

been a balance

distribution of

chores inside

the household

since the

children assist

their father.

2

“Ang relasyon namin

ng aking mga anak ay

parang mga kalaro at

kaibigan lang ang

aming turingan, at

itinuturo ko sa

kanila ang

Good

relationship

with the

children

implies

harmonious

relationship

Positive

relationship

suggests that

the children

must have

adhered to

their father,

[23]

magagandang asal at

pinipili kong

ipadama sa kanila

ang lubos kong

pagmamahal.”(The relationship to my

children is like pals

and friends, and I teach

them good manners and I

choose to express them

my love.)

between the

husband and the

children. No

complications

and

difficulties

are implied.

understanding

and agreeing

upon the

situation in

which their

mother is away

and working to

provide them.

3

“Siguro naging pabor

sa akin yung

ganitong sitwasyon,

kasi noong dati ako

yung nagtatrabaho,

si misis yung nag-

aalaga sa mga anak

namin, ngayon siya

naman yung

nagtatrabaho, ako

naman ang mas may

oras sa kanila. At

least pareho kami

nagkaroon ng

pagkakataon na mas

maging malapit sa

The situation

turned out to

be favorable

for both of

them in terms

of being full

time parents

and connecting

with their

children. As he

explained it,

they both got

the chance to

really bond

with their

children at

Positive

outcome for

both parents

especially that

each of them

had their time

to spend with

their children.

[24]

anak namin.”(Maybe this kind of

situation became more

favorable for us as

parents. Back then when

I was working, my wife

took care of the kids,

now that she is working,

I get to take care of

them. At least we both

had the chance to really

connect with our

children.)

some point in

time.

Q5: State/explain the relationship with the wife.

Participa

nts

Raw Data/Narratives Meaning Interpretation

1

“Ang asawa ay isang

matalik na kaibigan,

karamay sa lahat.”(The spouse is an

intimate friend, one who

could comfort you

anytime.)

The wife is

treated like a

close friend

and that there

is seen a

confident

relationship

associated.

An intimate

relationship

between the

husband and

wife indicates

good marital

relationship.

“Masaya ako sa

There is an

effort provided

A devoted

husband may be

[25]

2

kaniya, ginagawa ko

ang lahat upang

tumatag ang aming

pagsasama.”(I am happy and I am

doing everything to

strengthen our

relationship.)

by the husband

in attempt to

prosper and

lengthen the

relationship.

seen slightly

puny for being

‘masculine’ or

the traditional

‘macho’ image

since it is not

ordinary for

them to bow

down and see

someone higher

than them.

3

“Sobrang ok kami

ngayon. Tingin ko

nakatulong ang

pagiging provider

niya sa pamilya para

maboost yung tingin

niya sa sarili

niya.”(we are very ok. I think

being a provider of the

family, it helped boost

her self-concept and

self- worth)

Since both of

them had the

chance to be in

a situation

wherein one

works and

another stays

at home to tend

to the family,

the dynamics of

their

relationship

became stronger

as there was

clear

[26]

understanding

of what each of

them does.

Q6: What are the reasons/factors that made you decide to become a

househusband?

Participa

nts

Raw Data/Narratives Meaning Interpretation

1“Dahil sa hirap ng

buhay at kulang ang

kinikita.”(Because of the

difficulty in living and

less income.)

One of the

factors being

considered was

that of status

in living and

income.

Since status of

living and

income are the

said factors

considered, …

2

“Sakripisyo dahil sa

hirap ng buhay.

Iisipin niyo kung

sino ang mas malaki

ang kinikita sa

paghahanap-buhay,

siya na lang ang

maghanap-buhay.”

Living

situation and

income are also

being

considered.

The husband’s

salary has not

satisfied the

needs of his

family, thus

the wife comes

to the rescue

by working and

[27]

(Sacrifice for the

hardships of life. Think of

whom between the two of you

earns more, then he/she

should be the one providing

the family.)

later,

providing the

family on her

own.

3

“Mahabang kwento eh.

Pero in short,

nagkasakit ako noon

dala siguro ng

kondisyon na din ng

trabaho sa factory.

Habang nagpapagaling

ako noon, napilitan

siya humanap ng

trabaho kahit part-

time lang. nagkataon

sinwerte nakahanap

siya ng magandang

trabaho na malaki

ang sweldo. Ayun

saka na kami nagusap

kung pano na

magiging set up

namin.”(It’s a long story, but

in short, I became sick;

maybe because it was

Unforseen

situations

(illnesses,

natural events,

etc) and

economic needs

where primary

reasons for

such shift.

Unforseen

situations

(illnesses,

natural events,

etc) and

economic needs

where primary

reasons for

such shift.

[28]

brought about by the

work conditions in the

factory I was working

for. While I was

recovering, she was

obliged to look for a

job just to sustain our

needs. Luckily she

landed on a high paying

job. That is when we

started to discuss the

setup of the household.)

Q7: What is happening with your marital relationship (status) with the

idea of you being a househusband?

Participa

nts

Raw Data/Narratives Meaning Interpretation

1

“Masaya dahil

nakasal sa akin un

babaeng gusto ko at

pinangarap ko sa

buhay, at lalo pa

ito ngayong

tumatagal hinggil sa

mga problemang

hinaharap namin.”(Happy because I married

the woman I love, and

With the idea

of being

househusband,

instead of

fading, the

marital

relationship

gets stronger

and tougher

than before.

This suggests

that the gender

role reversal

phenomenon, or

househusband,

does not have

negative

effects towards

the marital

relationship.

[29]

the relationship stays

aside from the

difficulties.)

2

“Mas naging matatag

at naging masaya

dahil naging mas

maunawain kami sa

isa’t isa..” (we become more stable

and happier since we

became more considerate

to each other..)

There has been

a better

development of

understanding

between the

husband and

wife.

This also

suggests that

there is no

existing

negative effect

of the

‘househusband’

situation

within the

relationship.

3“Taliwas sa mga biro

ng ibang kamaganak

ko, hindi naman

ganun kasama.

Feeling ko nga lalo

pa kami nagkasundo.

At least nauunawaan

namin ang isa’t isa;

kung pano

magtrabaho, pano

mamahala sa bahay,

atbp. Wag ka lang

magpaapekto siguro

sa sasabihin ng iba.

For him, it was

a matter of

perspective

when we look at

things.

Although their

situation is

not very common

and is prone to

judgment by

other people,

as long as they

are able to

stay strong and

As it was said

before, the

current set up

strengthened

the family

dynamics they

had in more

ways than one.

[30]

Basta nabubuhay at

napapalaki mo ng

tama ang mga anak

mo.”(Contrary to what my

relatives used to joke

(about my current

situation) it’s not that

bad. At least we know

what each other feels;

how it is to work, how

it is to manage the

household, etc. just

don’t get affected about

what others say about

you. As long as you are

able to raise your kids

well.)

survive as a

family, others’

opinion

wouldn’t really

matter.

Conclusion

Overall, it cannot be denied that the existence of gender

role reversal in the Philippines is developing to be more

proliferate as it was before (where society is more male-

dominated especially speaking in terms of labor force).

Researches and other studies have shown the subsistence of such

in the workplace, community, various institutions, and in this

[31]

study, even the household. Mostly, it is under economic issues

that this kind of shift in the family structure is considered,

secondary to that are events that mostly lead to the fathers’

incapacity to join the work force.

As it was seen in this study, the concept of househusband is

not immune to criticisms and stigmatization from the different

sectors of the society as its very idea deviates from the

societal standards of a so-called Filipino family. But as evident

as it is in this research, the perspective is very much different

when the point of view of the family itself is considered. The

dynamics of a typical Filipino family is also observed in them.

The only factor different is the financial provider of the family

but everything else seems the same such as interaction with

children, interaction with partner, overall family dynamics, etc.

Recommendations

It would be more sensible and efficient if more

househusbands would be studied and a more direct and well-guided

interview would be conducted among the respondents to achieve

high correlated results in association with the objectives. Also,

the wife’s viewpoint should be considered since she plays a part

in the gender role reversal herself. Aside from status of living

and income as factors to be considered, it might also be handy to

look for other reasonable factors that affect the husband’s

decision.

[32]

Reflection

Coming from a male perspective, I used to see the concept of

gender role reversal (specifically Househusbands) to be something

I can’t live with. As bad as it sounds, I still adhere to

traditional ways and believe that the culture that men should be

the main providers of the family, should remain. But as the study

went deeper, and having an in depth interview with one of my

relatives, I finally understood what it was and why it exist.

Practicality is essential in a developing world and that there is

no room for meaningless segregation of roles.Living in a world

where modernization is taking place, development is happening in

the different aspects of people’s lives, it is good to see how

the distinctions between people are slowly fading away (race,

ethnicity, sex, etc.). There seem to be a continuous

homogenization of characteristics, overall structure and idea,

and roles of people. With this, it is possible that the phenomena

of gender role reversal may be ruled out, thus it might be more

appropriate to see it as gender role homogenization since, as the

current trends present it, there will be no more role that is

distinct to a certain sex or gender. (Randall Cahn B. Lomarda)

[33]

Househusband are increasing in numbers and who might know if

in the next few years to come, they are socially accepted by the

society and simply modify what cultures are embedded on us at the

moment. But as of today, we should not entirely judge and

criticize what these ‘househusbands’ can do or up to what point

their abilities are. Try to think of considering them since the

world is changing continuously – no stopping it. It would not

always be the same old traditions we should follow. Modernization

stops by and boom, nothing stays the same. (Almaiza Marie F. Rodeo)

Househusband is not new nowadays. It is quite surprising

that men will be doing the usual work of the women. But if we

think of it, there’s nothing wrong with it. It is good that men

can also have the chance to be in a woman’s world. There is

nothing hard in doing the housework if men will do it seriously

and simultaneously.Regarding the power relations between me and

my husband-to-be, I want the power to be almost equal. I don’t

want to be under his power or me overpowering him. I want to show

our children-to-be that we talk about things and deal with it

properly.I learned a lot because of this study. I had some

realizations like- “I want to have my own family too in the

future.” If I will be having my own family in the future, I also

don’t want to be stuck at home through the years of my married

life. I also want to explore new things and earn money for my

family. I would like my children to learn housework for them to

be responsible even in their youth. Yes, having a family is quite

hard. But thinking that my family would be like my present

[34]

family, I would be very happy and contented with it. (Ma. Gaudette

F. Sunga)

References

Cangco, Elora Joselle (2012). Isa akong 'Househusband'. The

Varsitarian. Vol. LXXXV, No. 10.

Global Commission on International Migration in an

Interconnected World: New directions for action. (2005). GCIM: Geneva.

Gresham, Philip B. (2011). Gender and Remittances: The case

of the Philippines, in Oxfam Novib Expert Meeting on Gender and

Remittances. Oxfam Novib: The Hague.

International Organization for Migration and Remittances.

(2004). IOM: Geneva.

Intimate Fathers: The Nature and Context of Aka Pygmy

Paternal Infant Care, Barry S. Hewlett, Jan. 31, 1993, University

of Michigan Press

Medina, Belen T.G. (2001). Husband and Wife Roles. The Filipino

Family. Diliman, Quezon City: University of the Philippines Press.

p 144, 151, 152

Parsons, Talcott and R. F. Bales (1955). Family Socialization and

Interaction Process. Glencoe, Illinois: Free Press. p 353-94.

[35]

Pingol, A.T. (2001). Remaking Masculinities: Identity,

Power, and Gender Dynamics in Families with Migrant Wives and

Househusbands. Quezon City: University of the Philippines, Center

for Women’s Studies.

Role Reversal: When it comes to who works the longest hours,many Philippine women are the global exception. (2007). Retrievedon March 17, 2014. Retrieved from http://www.ilo.org/global/about-the-ilo/newsroom/news/WCMS_082872/lang--en/index.htm

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