Using the data of every census and population survey in China since 1980，this paper undertakes a comprehensive and systematic analysis of the changes in the number and main characteristics of Chinese housewives. We find that，firstly，“household management” is still an important part of living and the lives of Chinese women. Secondly，compared with househusbands，housewives show fundamental differences and form two extremes with respect to household management. Thirdly，the group of housewives has seen changes in its formation with more and more highly educated women joining its ranks. Fourthly，there are differences between the urban and rural housewives，both of whom are，however，vulnerable groups in society. We suggest that “housewives” are still a huge social group and one of the important parts of the female population as one in every seven adult women is a housewife in China today. Their existence and living conditions directly influence their families，children and the society as a whole. Their characteristics and definition of their roles also reflect changes in Chinese families and society.