When a Four Corners reporter took to the streets in 1961 to canvass public opinion on domestic gender roles, men and women alike (mostly) agreed: husbands should chip in with the chores on the weekend.

"Definitely. My word, it's only fair that they should do that," one man said between bites of a banana.

"I do it all."

And while he cooked and cleaned his wife had a rest.

A number of women also agreed — depending on how many other chores he had on his list, and, well, other considerations.

Reporter: How's it organised at your house? Woman: Well, I have four girls and there's a lot of work to do. Reporter: I guess that means that Dad can sit down most of the time? Woman: No he's out most of the time to keep out of my way.

Another woman dropped her husband in it when the reporter approached her with the question.

"Yes, certainly [husbands should do housework], all the time," she said.

"But mine doesn't."

Only one man said "good lord, no" to the idea of men doing housework.