Changing Power Imbalances at Home

Huge social changes occurring in real time are leading us to rethink traditional roles in our homes, workplaces and in society. So why do women who outearn their male partners still tend to do more housework and childcare? Why are unemployed men generally happier if their female partners are also unemployed? Why is unpaid labour still seen as a less important contribution than paid work within family units?

Award-winning science journalist Melissa Hogenboom has interviewed dozens of female breadwinners, stay-at-home dads and same-sex couples, comparing their stories to the latest research to demonstrate the consequences of changing dynamics. She reveals how pursuing and maintaining power is a key part of every human interaction, affecting every area of our lives. Melissa demonstrates how, the closer we look, the easier it is to see the influence of power structures all around us. If we can share power more equally, we can improve not only our own wellbeing but also recognise how to dismantle social structures that are seemingly set in stone.

Melissa Hogenboom is a multi-award-winning film-maker and leader at the BBC. She has written hundreds of articles, made short and long-form films for broadcast and digital, and has reported for radio and TV. She is the presenter of Health Decoded a new BBC health explainer video series, and has launched the BBC’s first newsletter course: Six Steps To Calm. Her first book, The Motherhood Complex, was released in May 2021 by Piatkus, Little, Brown (Hachette).