Division of household labor and family functioning in off-reservation Navajo Indian families

The division of household labor and family functioning of mothers and fathe rs was examined in 28 off-reservation Navajo Indian families. Mothers inves ted significantly more time in cleaning, food, and child-related tasks than fathers, but mothers and fathers equally participated in household mainten ance. In their perception of how they and their family functioned, mothers and fathers reported similar levels of coping and competence, but mothers d emonstrated significantly more commitment, cohesion, and communication skil ls than fathers. Overall, fathers showed high levels of involvement in hous ehold labor and family functioning. Findings are discussed with respect to family functioning and gentler roles in 2-parent Navajo families.