Satisfaction levels and correlates of satisfaction in the homemaker job

Fifty-five full-time homemakers and 63 full- or part-time outside job holders completed a questionnaire which assessed their level of satisfaction overall and with specific aspects of the homemaker work role or job. Thirteen items from the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire were used for this purpose along with other measures of satisfaction. In general, it was found that both full-time homemakers and job holders were quite satisfied with the homemaker work role. The highest level of satisfaction had to do with the autonomy aspects of the job, whereas the least satisfying aspects were the lack of recognition and supervisory opportunities. It was demonstrated that overall satisfaction with the homemaker job was significantly related to several variables. High income level subjects were the least satisfied, whereas middle income subjects were the individuals most satisfied with the homemaker job. Further, whether a subjects's mother worked, subjects' attitudes toward women, frequency of church attendance, perceived mobility in the home, and whether subjects' expectations were being met demonstrated a significant relationship to satisfaction. Interestingly, the number of children living in the household did not exhibit any impact on satisfaction. A number of other variables and their relationship to homemaker satisfaction were also investigated.