According to research conducted by Ruth Schwartz Cowan (1983), time-saving technological inventions like the vacuum cleaner, the washing machine, and other household appliances have actually increased the number of hours that women spend on housework. How does she explain this finding

As the standards of cleanliness have risen, there is more cleaning to do at home.

Explanation:

Ruth Schwartz explains that individuals want to live in a cleaner environment due to the high marginal utility of living clean and healthy. People have come to understand that clean and healthy lifestyle have great benefits and, therefore, has raise their standard of cleanliness.

In this regard, many new technologies and products like vacuum cleaner, the washing machine, and other household appliances have been capitalized in the market.

However, she also concludes that these products and technologies which have been introduced to ease work at home for women have actually increased the number of hours that women spend on housework as standards of cleanliness and keeping household environment healthy has become very important. Thus, making women engaged in household cleaning for longer periods.