Gender Relations in the Modern Family: A Sociological Study of Changing Domestic and Public Roles

Abstract

This study examines gender relations in contemporary Indonesian families by analyzing the interaction between domestic roles, public roles, and perceptions of gender equality. A quantitative survey was conducted among 700 respondents representing 350 married couples residing in five major Indonesian cities. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed through descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression. The findings reveal that although childcare is increasingly perceived as a shared responsibility, routine domestic work remains disproportionately performed by women, indicating the persistence of unequal household labor. Women's participation in the public sphere significantly strengthens perceptions of gender equality and demonstrates a stronger influence than domestic role participation. Nevertheless, traditional expectations regarding men as primary breadwinners continue to coexist with increasingly egalitarian attitudes, reflecting an ongoing negotiation between cultural traditions and modern social change. The study contributes to family sociology by providing an integrated empirical framework that explains how domestic and public participation collectively shape gender relations. The findings also offer practical insights for developing family policies and workplace strategies that support more equitable gender relations in contemporary societies.