Perceived Justice in the Division of Domestic Labor: Actor and Partner Effects.

The present study analyzed the division of domestic labor as a relational phenomenon. Using SEM with data of dual-earner couples from Austria, Germany and Switzerland (N = 389), we investigated actor and partner effects of perceived distributive and procedural justice in the division on relationship satisfaction. Experience of relationship conflict was considered as possible mediator between perceived justice and relationship satisfaction. Results with actor effects indicate that perceived justice is relevant only to wives’ but not to husbands’ relationship satisfaction. Results with partner effects, however, show that wives’ perceived justice is associated with husbands’ relationship satisfaction via the relationship conflict experienced by husbands. Altogether, the study illustrates the importance of considering the relational character of the division of domestic labor.