[1] Oakley's book was the first piece of sociological research that showed housework as being actual work.

The majority of women also felt that it was "unquestionably their duty to do the domestic work" due to them identifying "personally with their role and the gender stereotypes that go with it".

"[3] Joann Vanek wrote in a 1976 review in the American Journal of Sociology that "Oakley's findings on housework patterns are generally supported by time-use research.

However, the contribution of the study lies less in this than in what it tells about the meaning of work, about the perceptions and attitudes housewives have about their job".

[4] Judith A. Hammond wrote in a 1977 review in the journal Social Forces that "[Oakley's] discussion is equally sexist, however, and emphasizes only the negative aspects of housewifery".