Arkiaskareita

Arkiaskareita is a Finnish term used to describe routine daily chores and tasks that keep a household running. The word combines arki, meaning everyday or weekday, with askare, meaning chore or task. The plural form arkiaskareita refers to several such tasks.

Typical arkiaskareita include cleaning, cooking, laundry, grocery shopping, paying bills, errands, and basic maintenance. Personal care and caring for children or pets are often included when they are part of daily routines. The exact list varies by household, season, and personal needs.

In sociological and time-use studies, arkiaskareita are considered a form of unpaid domestic labor. Their distribution among household members—who does what and when—affects family dynamics, well-being, and gender equality. Changes in work patterns, remote work, and access to domestic services can shift how these tasks are allocated.

Although the concept is rooted in Finnish daily life, similar notions exist in many languages as everyday chores; the term is widely used in Finnish-language discussions of home management, time management, and family life.

See also: time-use survey, household labor, domestic chores, unpaid work.