Such a misnomer for an occupation. For many, for many years, it was much maligned. Undervalued and misunderstood with a multi-faceted, often changing, job description and unpaid.
I remember when I was growing up hearing discussions about changing the title, working out what the financial value of the role would be - if you could ever find anyone or anyway to pay. Home Duties, Domestic Engineer, Manager - Home Operations etc.
We have progressed a little in the last four or five decades. The work carried out at home, caring for children, budgeting and planning for meals, cooking and cleaning has gained some recognition. Still no monetary gain though. Additional duties include chauffeur; ferrying children to a multitude of extracurricular activities, to and from school, and social engagements (birthday parties and play dates), IT guru, homework supervisor. Housewives (and Househusbands) seem to be able to turn their hand to anything.
Many of them hold down full, or part-time PAID roles as well.
Not too long ago women had no place in the paid workforce. In some countries it is still so. But women have always pulled their weight. Managed big houses, supervising staff, helping on the farm, milking, looking after poultry, doing laundry, minding children. It is nothing new.
What has changed slightly in society is the way we have begun to acknowledge this work and value the contribution it makes to the future.
I have read many census', church records, electoral rolls over many years in my family history research. On so many documents women's occupations are not acknowledged. The exception seemingly those occupations generating a little income; milliners, dressmakers, glovers, lace workers etc. Mostly women's occupations are just not recorded. Sometimes they are there initially on a census form; farmer's wife, farmer's daughter, housewife and later crossed out as if they just don't matter. In 1939 at the beginning of World War Two when the United Kingdom recorded the names, birthdates and occupations of its citizens in readiness for rationing once more women seemed invisible, their contribution to society meaningless.
"Unpaid domestic duties" summed it all up really.
Are you one of these superwomen ? Juggling a paid job and a busy at home job ? Caring for children, or elderly family members and making sure they are all fed, clothed, warm and clean ?
What title are you going to use for yourself when you complete that next application form, registration form or census ?
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