The time spent doing chores in the US…

Has fallen by two thirds in the last 100 years

I have a vague memory from my youth of hearing that despite the invention of the vacuum cleaner and washing machine people spent the same amount of time on household jobs as they did in the past. Well, I’m pleased to say that is simply not true. The rapid adoption of these time saving devices, alongside revolutionary technologies like piped water and electricity have resulted in the time spent on housework decreasing from around 60 hours to around 20.

In surveys housework is regularly given as the least favourite way to spend one’s time, and we’re doing a pretty good job of eliminating it. In the more recent past, I know that my robotic hoover, mop and lawnmower have saved me a huge number of unpleasant hours that instead I get to use how I wish.

If only they could make a vacuum cleaner that could do the stairs…

Source: Enlightenment Now, Stephen Pinker