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Notices and Press Releases

Fawcett : Equality Is The Way To A Woman's Heart New Poll Finds

New polling published today[1] finds that equality is the way to a woman's heart (and her vote).

In a report published today by the Fawcett Society research funded by the ESRC[2], and analysed by academics Rosie Campbell[3] and Kristi Winters[4] reveals that women want greater equality at home, at work and in politics.

Equality at home

Today's poll reveals that pressure is building for men to do a greater share of childcare and housework. The poll suggests that men seeking the perfect Valentine's Day treat would be better advised to abandon the traditional bunch of roses in favour of changing nappies and picking up the duster.

The poll finds that the majority of both women and men think that men should do more childcare. But, what about men taking a fair share of the housework? The poll shows that a greater percentage of women want men to be more active around the house - 69% of women think that men should do more housework compared to 56% of men.

Equality in politics

And, women's concern with equality is not confined to the domestic sphere. Women's political values are more pro-equality and they are looking to Government to do more to promote women's chances.

More than a third (35%) of women think that attempts to ensure equality for women have not gone far enough (compared to 18% of men) and more women express a desire to be represented by women MPs.

Responding to today's survey, Dr Rosie Campbell Lecturer at Birkbeck College, University of London said

"This survey shows us that on a number of issues women's political values are to the left of men's. Women are more concerned about inequality and are slightly less tolerant of poverty than men. Women want greater equality in the home and in society. Women still feel that attempts to bring about equality for women haven't gone far enough and politicians have more work to do."

Katherine Rake, Director of the Fawcett Society, said

"Published on Valentine's Day, this poll reminds us that equality is a more effective way to women's hearts than a bunch of roses or a candlelit dinner. Women have experienced a revolution in their working lives over the past thirty years. What is clear from today's report is that they now expect men to undergo a similar revolution and fully share with them the responsibility for family and home."

"Politicians too need to sit up and take note if they are to appeal to women voters. Women are looking for a new type of politics which reflects women's greater commitment to equality generally and their desire to see more done on women's equality."

Key findings from survey:

• 69% of women and 56% of men felt that men should do more housework than they do now.
• 60% of women and 51% of men felt that men should do more childcare than they do now.
• 27% of women and 21% of men felt that women MPs better represent the interests of women.
• 35% of women and 18% of men felt that attempts to ensure equality for women had not gone far enough.
• 84% of women and 80% of men felt that the gap between the rich and poor was too large.
• 58% of women and 51% of men felt that one of the biggest problems in Britain is that not everyone is given an equal chance to succeed.
• 71% of women and 63% of men felt that ordinary working people don't get a fair share of the nation's wealth.
• 35% of women and 30% men would like to see taxes raised and spent on health, education and social services.
• 56% of women and 35% of men felt that censorship of films and magazines is necessary to uphold moral values.

Notes: