Mankeeping Test

The IDRlabs Mankeeping Test was developed by IDRlabs on the basis of emerging research in gender, emotional labor, and the cognitive division of household labor.

Mankeeping is a term that has emerged in discussions of household labor, emotional labor, and gender dynamics. It refers specifically to the emotional, cognitive, and practical work that women often perform to manage men’s needs, comfort, and behavior. While mental load generally describes the invisible work involved in running a household or life—tracking schedules, remembering tasks, planning meals, paying bills, and anticipating problems—mankeeping is a gendered subset of this labor, focusing on ensuring that men function smoothly within daily life and relationships.

At its core, mankeeping involves anticipating men’s needs and smoothing over obstacles before they become apparent. It is often invisible precisely because the work is preventative and relational rather than task-based. For example, a woman might remember her partner’s appointments, pack lunches, or ensure he has clean clothes—not just to keep the household running, but to prevent him from experiencing stress or inconvenience. Mankeeping also includes emotional and psychological management: moderating his moods, reframing potentially upsetting situations, or absorbing emotional fallout so that he doesn’t have to. This could mean calming him after a stressful day, preemptively negotiating conflicts with others, or simply making sure the household environment is optimized to avoid his irritation.

One of the key features of mankeeping is that it is often taken for granted. Because the labor is invisible and preventative, it rarely earns recognition, credit, or reciprocation. It’s also emotionally taxing: it requires constant vigilance, forethought, and empathy. Women performing mankeeping often describe feeling like they are “managing a dependent adult,” even when their partner is fully capable of performing these tasks themselves. Over time, this can lead to frustration, resentment, and fatigue—similar to the consequences of an unbalanced mental load.

Mankeeping is not about malice or control; rather, it is a socialized behavior reinforced by cultural expectations. Societies frequently socialize women to be caretakers, emotional moderators, and household organizers, while men are often allowed to prioritize their own comfort and focus on external responsibilities. Even in households striving for equality, the subtle dynamics of mankeeping can persist, influencing how emotional and practical labor is distributed.

Understanding mankeeping has important implications for relationships and gender equity. By naming and recognizing this labor, couples can begin to redistribute responsibilities more equitably. Awareness encourages partners to reflect on the emotional and cognitive work they perform for one another and to acknowledge contributions that are otherwise invisible. Conversations about mankeeping can also help men develop greater self-sufficiency and emotional literacy, fostering healthier, more balanced partnerships.

Ultimately, mankeeping shines a light on the ways emotional and cognitive labor are gendered in modern life. It reminds us that running a life or a household is not just about completing visible tasks, but about anticipating needs, managing emotions, and creating stability. By acknowledging and addressing mankeeping, relationships can move toward equity and mutual recognition, ensuring that both partners share the invisible responsibilities that keep life running smoothly.

Free online quizzes such as the present test do not provide professional assessments or recommendations of any kind; the test is provided entirely “as-is.”

References

• Daminger, A. (2019). The Cognitive Dimension of Household Labor. American Sociological Review.
• Hochschild, A. R. (1983). The Managed Heart: Commercialization of Human Feeling.
• Offer, S., & Schneider, B. (2011). Revisiting the Gender Gap in Time-Use Patterns. American Sociological Review.