Sociological studies on the gendered division of labor in the domestic sphere have always been characterized by evidence of a clear inequality regarding the distribution of tasks not paid within the household between men and women. women (Warren, 2003: 734). While men are traditionally seen as the primary breadwinners, management of household maintenance remains largely the responsibility of women (Breen & Cooke, 2005: 47). A number of theories exist to explain this unequal distribution of domestic labor, particularly the economic exchange model (which holds that women perform domestic tasks in "exchange" for their husbands' financial support) and the display model. of gender, which asserts that household labor is divided on the basis of the symbolic importance of gender (Baxter, 2002: 401). While examining the inherent characteristics of both models, this article will also address the importance of gender stereotypes in maintaining an unequal distribution of domestic labor, despite women's increasing participation in the labor market. The article will also demonstrate that the issue of a gendered division of labor is of great importance for sociological studies, particularly with regard to issues of power, domination and authority in the gender regime. The basic assumption of the economic exchange model as a mechanism for the gendered division of labor is that those who contribute more to the economic value of a household (traditionally men) contribute less to the mundane household tasks that are usually required ( Brines, 1994: 653). Thus, it is argued, women are forced to carry out household chores in exchange for economic support (Baxter, 2002: 403). As recently as the mid-1990s, men were much more likely to be involved in full-time paid employment...... middle of paper ......'s Saying? ": Survey of domestic discourse among young heterosexual cohabiting couples. Gender Issues, 2, 59-77. West, C. and Zimmerman, D. (1987). Doing Gender, Gender and Society, 1, 125- 151. Dempsey, K. (1997). Women's perception of fairness and the persistence of an unequal distribution of household tasks. Family Matters, 2(48), 1-11. Berk, S. (1985). ).The Gender Factory: The Distribution of Labor in American Households. Ritzer, G. and Goodman, DJ (2004). “I'm not his wife”: doing gender and cleaning in the absence of women. Journal of Sociology, 39(3) 253-269.Macionis, JJ and Plummer, K. (2005). comprehensive introduction, Pearson Education Limited, HarlowRitzer, G. (2000)..