The Unsung Heroines of the Home
If you’re a fan of the `Real Housewives’ web series you would envy the luxurious, high-profile life led by the main characters. But don’t let that mislead you. Of course the glamorous show is meant for entertainment and touches the upper echelons of society. As I wrote this post, the name of this show popped up before my eyes, though the reality of the normal housewife is quite different.
Being a homemaker, who is managing a home and children, apparently seems to be the easiest `job’ on earth. Moreover, people have this impression that housewives hardly do any work, simply because they are at home and do not have a conventional job! But the truth is, it is a tough job, devoid of appreciation for the following reasons :
a) The work done by women at home is not measurable as compared to any other job and is “invisible” labor.
Cooking, cleaning, laundry, childrearing, plus scores of other small chores that women do round the clock are not quantifiable. This means that it often goes unnoticed and unappreciated, as it is not as tangible as a product or service provided in a traditional job setting. The lack of visibility can make it difficult for others to understand the scope and impact of homemaking.
b) Moving to the next point, you don’t get paid, rewarded, or acknowledged, but it’s assumed that doing household chores is your duty. The absence of a monetary value attached to their efforts contributes to the devaluation of homemaking.
c) Cultural and Societal Expectations often prioritize paid work outside the home over the work done within it.
This can lead to homemakers feeling undervalued and unappreciated, as their contribution may not be as recognized.
Historically, homemaking has been considered women’s work, and this has led to the devaluation of the role. Gender stereotypes have perpetuated the idea that homemaking is not as important as paid employment, despite the significant amount of time and effort involved . This mindset can be harmful as it reinforces the idea that traditional gender roles are the norm.
d) Economic Impact: homemakers contribute significantly to the economy by providing essential services within the home.
If these services were outsourced, they would incur substantial costs. Inspite of this, homemakers are rarely recognized for their role in economic stability and growth.
e) Impact on overall well-being: homemakers play a crucial role in creating a supportive and nurturing environment for their families.
Their work impacts the quality of life, mental and physical health of their loved ones. However, this aspect of their work is often overlooked or taken for granted.
f) Lack of credit or rewards for skills and expertise: housewives develop a wide range of valuable skills including organization, time management, budgeting, culinary expertise, and childcare. Yet they are not given due acknowledgement or respect.
What is the Solution?
Only through awareness and understanding can we turn the tides and give homemaking the recognition, and appreciation it deserves. To value homemakers, the attitude of society has to change, gender stereotypes to be challenged and resources, such as, access to education, and opportunities to re-enter the workforce should be provided. It is also crucial to acknowledge the economic and societal significance of homemaking and consider ways to provide compensation or benefits to homemakers that reflect the value of their work. Ultimately, a more inclusive and equitable perspective on the work of homemakers is needed to ensure that their contributions are given the recognition and value they deserve.
Now things are improving, with the reverse gender roles, and a greater percentage of men helping in housework. Society as a whole has come up with ways to aid that. Forums, women’s groups, and families ensure that housewives are no longer neglected but shine.
