Abstract: The current article aims to understand how culture affects couple’s allocation of domestic chores in China and Europe. First, we review previous studies on Chinese couple’s family work organization in comparison to data from European societies. Second, we examine the applicability of major theoretical models about the division of family work on the situation in China. While we conclude that cross-cultural differences in the division of family work exist, these differences can only partially be explained using these theoretical approaches. Thirdly, we expand the theoretical framework adopted by most cross-culture family studies by providing a discussion of traditional Confucian ideology and third party support with family work. We discuss finally the possible implications of these values and support for the division of family work across cultures.

Key words: division of family, cross-cultural, gender ideology, Confucian ideology, social support