Gender Differences in Housework Distribution and Its Effect on Career Development Among Married Couples in Ibadan

This study examines gender differences in the distribution of housework and their effect on career development outcomes among married couples in Ibadan, Oyo State, South West Nigeria. Unequal domestic labour distribution has been identified as a structural barrier to women's career advancement in dual-income households, making it a critical issue for Home Economics education and gender studies. The study employs a descriptive survey design, targeting 200 dual-income married couples in Ibadan North and Ibadan South West local government areas. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing housework hours, task allocation, and career development indicators. Objectives include documenting the distribution of domestic tasks by gender, quantifying the time burden of housework on wives relative to husbands, and examining how domestic workload affects career investment including professional development, networking, and overtime. Recent literature from South West Nigeria confirms that married professional women spend significantly more time on domestic tasks than their husbands, limiting their career mobility and professional advancement. Data were analysed using t-tests, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis. The Gender Role Theory underpins the study, contextualising domestic task division within socially constructed role expectations. Findings are expected to reveal significant gender asymmetry in housework and corresponding disparities in career development outcomes. Recommendations address employers, family welfare educators, and counsellors in Ibadan. Keywords: housework distribution, gender differences, career development, married couples, Ibadan.