I am fairly sure I would be incredibly unhappy in an “equal” relationship (I would predict the same for the vast majority of humans).
Being in an “equal” relationship seems like it would be very inefficient because you couldn’t realize gains from specialization in certain tasks.
Due to sexual dimorphism (assuming opposite sex partners), doing the same amount of X isn’t necessarily any fairer than doing different amounts of X (not to mention some tasks, like pregnancy and childbirth, cannot be “equal” without extreme biological augmentations).
Being in an “equal” relationship seems like it would be very inefficient because you couldn’t realize gains from specialization in certain tasks.
How does that follow? Both partners doing about the same amount of things doesn’t mean that one of them couldn’t specialize in certain kinds of tasks.
Also, whether the division of tasks is subjectively experienced as equal is usually the most relevant criteria, which can make for a division that would be very unequal if looked at in objective terms.
Kaj, I am referring to equality among objective measures like time spent doing X or number of times doing X per time T. Since most people have different skills and preferences most people would not have a subjective impression of fairness while splitting up tasks equally (in the objective sense). Frankly, I would feel very petty if I insisted that my wife spend equal time doing computer maintenance that I do (even though I am more experienced and enjoy it more).
I am fairly sure I would be incredibly unhappy in an “equal” relationship (I would predict the same for the vast majority of humans).
Being in an “equal” relationship seems like it would be very inefficient because you couldn’t realize gains from specialization in certain tasks.
Due to sexual dimorphism (assuming opposite sex partners), doing the same amount of X isn’t necessarily any fairer than doing different amounts of X (not to mention some tasks, like pregnancy and childbirth, cannot be “equal” without extreme biological augmentations).
How does that follow? Both partners doing about the same amount of things doesn’t mean that one of them couldn’t specialize in certain kinds of tasks.
Also, whether the division of tasks is subjectively experienced as equal is usually the most relevant criteria, which can make for a division that would be very unequal if looked at in objective terms.
Kaj, I am referring to equality among objective measures like time spent doing X or number of times doing X per time T. Since most people have different skills and preferences most people would not have a subjective impression of fairness while splitting up tasks equally (in the objective sense). Frankly, I would feel very petty if I insisted that my wife spend equal time doing computer maintenance that I do (even though I am more experienced and enjoy it more).
Would you expect significantly more “equal” relationships among homosexual couples than among heterosexual couples?
I would anticipate there being a measurable difference between homosexual and heterosexual populations.