This week had me thinking about women and work. More specifically, the notion that being a woman implies that she already has a job. In society's eyes, a woman's 'job' is to cook, clean, and produce then raise babies (which is a job in and of itself). That is your job, society says, why would you want to work? Why would you want to earn money doing something you enjoy? We're going to force you to give up your autonomy and live off your husband while you dedicate your entire life to housework and child-rearing 24/7. And that's the issue: that society is trying to make a decision that is not theirs. If a woman decides that she wants to stay home and raise her babies, that's perfectly fine. If a woman decides she wants to work full time, again, wonderful and fine. The issue comes when she is expected to perform these duties alone, like a single lighthouse in a storm of laundry and crying toddlers. All we see in the media is a husband coming home, kicking off his shoes, and reclining.The husband gripes and groans about his work day being so long and how he's too tired to help. Meanwhile his wife is buzzing around the kitchen and probably hasn't sat down since 6 am that morning. Sorry your desk job is so demanding, John! Geez.
Naturally these roles have changed over the years. With the economy in the toilet, more women are being brought into the workplace to provide an extra income for the family. The problem comes when these working women are still wholly expected to perform the duties of a housewife upon returning. We've all been tired after work, no one wants to go home and do a second job. But there are women that do, with no pay, grueling hours, and grumpy customers. I think it's time the 'man of the house' stepped up and did a few chores.
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