I'm sure that many of you have seen this image before. When I first came across this picture I found it very funny, but at the same time I found it rude and a bit derogatory. Clearly, it contains a message that directly addresses the stereotype about women becoming housewives when they get married. "Give it to your wife, it's her job!". To me, this phrase, though intended to be a joke, makes men appear arrogant and disrespectful in the eyes of women. Men usually have a sense of entitlement that they should be regarded as the superior gender, and they are supposed to take on "big things" such as being the breadwinner in the family. Women, on the other hand, are often tied to more "trivial" things, from taking care of the babies, cleaning the house, washing clothes to...changing diapers. It would be inappropriate for a man to stay home and do all the chores, as it would for a woman to go out and earn incomes to support the family. Of course, the reverse sometimes occurs, that is men being the care-giver and women the breadwinner. But it doesn't happen very often.What is it that perpetuates this stereotype? Let's look at a couple who has just got married recently. They are both ambitious and have their own dreams. People say that the husband is the breadwinner and the wife care-giver. The husband went out to work while the wife agreed to stay home taking care of the family. At first the husband often helped his wife when he got home, but one day a neighbor joked that he was like a servant to her. He got embarrassed and stopped helping. The wife, meanwhile, began thinking about her dreams. But her friends told her that women who work hard are not 'womanly', and cannot keep the husband. She went back to accept her roles and did all the chores.
From the example above, we can see that stereotypes are tenacious and very hard to beat. It is the pressure to conform to the expected norms created by society that perpetuates stereotypes, making them stronger and stronger.
Points to discuss,
1. What is your reaction to the image above?
2. What is your view on the stereotype that woman are housewives, they must do all the housework themselves? Do you think it's fair? Should women be left up to their choice as to stay at home or go out to work?
3. Do you think men should help with the housework as well? Do you think it is embarrassing/unmanly for men to do it?
1) It follows the types of stereotypes we generally heard about women, that they do housework. I don’t think this commercial is true for today’s society because women have started going to work and they are eligible to be compared to men.
ReplyDelete2) I think everyone should have their freedom. I agree with this because it’s unfair for those women who wish to do something but there is always someone stopping them in order to do that. Also, I think that they should have the freedom for whatever they want to do.
3) I think men should help with house chores as well because I believe that men and women should share their housework. I don’t think that its unmanly or embarrassing for men to do that.
1) My reaction- In the future, I’ll make my husband do the laundry. I’ll make sure that it’s his job!
ReplyDelete2) NO. Women should not do all the work themselves. Men have it really easy. Most men come home from work and don’t have to do many chores around the house. But women on the other hand, go to work, work equally hard as men, but then come home and find a pile of dishes they have to clean or that they have to cook dinner. I know I’m being a feminist here, but I really have to say that most women do work harder than men because most work at their jobs and at home. It’s like women are doing double the work and they still get paid only 70 cents for every dollar a man makes. However, I acknowledge that there are men who help their wives out by doing chores at home:)
3) Yes, I believe men should help women at home. It’s only fair. And it is not embarrassing for men to do chores. A lot of men think that if they do house work it will affect their pride and that women will not think so highly of them. Actually it’s more like the opposite. Most women would really appreciate some help around the house and would still think highly of their husbands.
Your post reminded me of this article that I read in anthropology class that was written in 1956. It gave women tips on how to be good wives and it was pretty popular back in the day. Some of the tips are (exact wording):
• Don’t complain if he’s late home for dinner or stays out ALL night. Count this as minor compared to what he might have gone through during the day.
• Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes.
• Let him talk first-his topics of conversation are more important than yours
• Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair
• Don’t question his judgments or actions. Remember he is the master of the house and as such will always exercise his will with fairness. YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO QUESTION HIM.
• A GOOD WIFE ALWAYS KNOWS HER PLACE.
That’s how women were advised to behave. When I first read this article, I was outraged esp. the when I read the second last point. And why should a woman have to take off her husbands shoes or not complain when he doesn’t come home all night.
All of these behaviors and stereotypes are built by socialization trends. In the past women were advised to be submissive in order to keep their husbands happy. In today’s society you could never write such advice without having a big controversy. But then again, in the 1950’s most magazine or article editors were males and so news articles back then never looked at a husband-wife relationship from a feminist lens. These gender roles are still practiced within today’s society, not as strictly as in the past, however, they still exist.
Women will not even be close to equality; no matter how progressive they are in their careers, if they still have to do all the chores at home.
Well, first of all i feel outraged by this image. This image, i think would serve as a good reflection as to how women were treated in the past, as always being second to men. Nowadays, thankfully, it isn't the case anymore. Even if this picture was meant to be seen as a joke, i don't think the majority of the population would find it funny since it is so degrading and insulting towards women.
ReplyDeleteNo, of course it's not fair for women to remain at home and do all the housework. In my opinion, it is similar as being a prisoner since you are limited in doing the things that you want, it can be perceived as a lack of freedom. Women are equally capable of displaying commitment in the workplace and nowadays are as performant in their job as their male colleagues, if not better. Nowadays, there is a growing trend as to how women are increasingly choosing to have a family at an older age and that occurs because they first and foremost have a career to think and it is obvious that staying at home, doing chores and other tasks would definitely hinder their chances of getting the career that they want.
Men should of course help with the housework, the household is a place where everyone should be having the same rights and everything should be divided equally. Therefore, it is logical that a man should help his wife/partner into finishing those chores. I think helping your partner into doing those tasks would also result in better understanding and trust in the relationship. I don't think it's embarrassing or unmanly for a man to do chores. On the contrary, if a man is able to do it, that shows how much self-confidence he has and how he believes in fairness and equality.
First of, I have to say Laugh Out Loud. This picture is a straight depiction of gender role stereotype. Women have been facing this for many years now; labeled as housewives or otherwise servants to their husbands. When do we see any gender stereotype inflicted on men? Hmm I’m assuming not often at all. Men’s roles are supposedly more superior and well-appreciated than women’s. I think that a women’s job should be more valued rather than degraded, as it has been portrayed more than enough and it would be time that this attitude reverses. If these stereotypes had had diminished over time, there would not have been such differences between gender roles or dominance. Men think that they are the ones who do more physical/complex work. You don’t hear someone or anything in the media say that they value a women’s job. Things are sure not easy for them to deal with either. Taking care of the kids, cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, engaging in other chores and sustaining jobs on top of it all, have already put so many tasks and responsibilities to make their lives hard. If such issue was taken into consideration and men did not take their women’s job to be less important and tolerable, rather be supportive of them, things would have changed to a relatively considerable degree by now. It would have potentially resulted to more equalities and rights for women. This perception of women seems as if they are unable to operate in skills that men are capable of and draw a sense that they are only good for house work and bearing children (which again is quite a commitment and obligation on their behalf).
ReplyDeleteIf women have joined the workforce, slightly deviating from their expected roles, so can men. Why would it be such an embarrassment to help their loved one and around a house in which they are living. How is that so wrong? If women are able to reverse their roles, why would it be seen so unmanly or degrading for a man to practice house chores? This is more of a duty then a choice because if women are out in the workforce that should imply that there is a reason for them working. Many need to provide an income for their families, either as the primary earner in a lone-parent family or as a primary or secondary earner in a dual-income family (both partners working). This contribution of women’s wages is essential for many families to be able to balance their family budget. The same need goes for men as well. Since women are working too, men should reversely help their wives catch up with their house work, babysit their children, and overall manage house chores equally with their wives. This issue mainly results to time management, if either gender is more available then the other, they should be the ones to take care of their domestic chores, not rely on fixed gender roles.
Wow! I second Simmy. This image is making me think that in the future i will make my husband do my laundry :P
ReplyDeleteSeriously, by looking at this image I think to myself that a woman's job is only to look after the household. She does not
have the right to work!
I am absolutely against the stereotype of women being housewives. As a matter of fact I have seen many families where the
husband is taking care of the household while the woman go out to work and take care of the house financially. It is not a sin
for males to be doing work that from the past women have been doing! However, if the woman herself is willing to do the work
then that is another case, thought I'm sure she would want help sometimes and that's not bad at all.
From my perspective I don't find it at all unmanly for a male to do housework. I would actually find that very manly, and that
the man has feelings for his wife and he cares about her; giving her the choice to either stay at home or go to work. Both of the genders should be equal that way no conflicts arise in between them.
hahaha @ Simmi i have read this list as well, and it made me laguh js as the first time i seen it! Quitee a recomendation there.
ReplyDeleteI find the label “IT’S HER JOB” to be degrading and insulting to women, based on what the statement is implying, which is that women do not share the same right to choose their job and lifestyle as men do, instead their jobs are somehow predetermined. Women shouldn’t be forced to give up their career goals instead they should have the right to choose whether or not they want to live the lifestyle of a housewife. I also think that being a housewife takes a large amount of energy and that men are not appreciative enough of what a housewife does, and we tend to underrate them for their efforts.
ReplyDeleteI personally would love to be a househusband, I have no problem accepting that role, except that I have no idea how to cook :D. Honestly, I feel that if I were to be a househusband, I would feel the need to pursue my own career and somehow make a difference in the world. There have been many housewives who have felt this way, and by imagining myself in their shoes, I completely understand how a housewife would want to have that sense of accomplishment through a career or job.
I don’t see a reason why men should not help with the housework even if the man is the “breadwinner” and the wife is a stay-at-home parent. However, if my wife and I both have jobs and are splitting the housework equally, I would expect my wife to be sharing the snow shoveling duties just as equally :P, unless we have an agreement that she will cook while I shovel the snow or something along those lines. I also do not think that it would be embarrassing for a man to cook for his wife, or clean the house, but I do know for a fact that if I was a househusband, my friends would be mocking me for switching these gender roles placed upon us by society.
@Abhishek: I think the stereotype (or even inequality) of women being housewives is still true in today's society although nowadays it is normal for them to go out and work a full-time job. As Simmi said, women are the ones who do double the work: they go to work and come home to do the chores. A lot of men these days still have in mind the attitude that housework is for women only, it's none of their concerns. But they forget one thing, though, that is women usually have the same amount of work as them!
ReplyDeleteThen how is it fair if women do all the housework themselves?
@Simmy: LOL! I totally support your idea but please don't be too hard on him =)(I don't know if I would agree if my future wife assigned me that kind of work though :P)
To me, I think it doesn't require that much work and effort if you just help with the chores. The work that is divided is much easier to manage. Sweeping the house, washing the dishes are certainly no big deal for me. (I may be familiar with washing the dishes because that's the work I do everyday :P)
@Hans: I totally agree with you on your last point! For me, a man who can help his wife do the chores is a responsible person whom his family can rely on. This shows that he cares everything about his family and he "believes in fairness and equality"!
LOL! well... if he won't do the laundry then he'll have to wash the dishes :P
ReplyDeleteAnd I also wanted to answer your question about whether it should be a choice for women to be housewives
If women have the choice to stay home and not work then men should also have that choice, or..there should be no choice at all. And if a woman decides to be a housewife on her own choice then she shouldn't complain that she has to do all the housework provided that the husband does all the work outside of home (or vice versa).
But when both partners have a job then its important to divide the work equally at home
Obviously, the image above is a gag and not an actual label on a shirt (I would hope). In my opinion, Western society is progressing into a more modern era. The stereotype of the nuclear family is not as common as it was twenty years ago. Many women have important roles within our workforce. In fact, some men stay at home and take care of the household chores. Women have the choice to stay at home or to join the workforce. In my opinion, the 'housewife' is a thing of the past. Lastly, men should contribute to the maintenance of the household. A couple should come to an agreement to the distribution of the housework. Each partner should make sacrifices in order for a relationship to work.
ReplyDeleteThis is actually my first time seeing this image and I did not find the statement "or give it to your wife. It's her job" to be very unneccessary.
ReplyDeleteIt was not funny at all and it is very rude towards women. As a male's point of view,
I would feel embrassed if I do the laundry or sometimes do the laundry. Many men do the chores for their family and the statement will degrade these people. It will discourages men to do the chores since it is supposely to be a woman's job.
I think women should not have to do all the housework all by themselves and it will be unfair for them. They should have the freedom to choose to stay at home orgo out to work.
I believe if the man loves his wife, he would not let his wife do all the housework. It is embrassing and unmanly is only an excuse for men to not help do the housework. I think men should do the housework as well, it is not a women's job.
@ Andy: I still don't agree with women are the ones who do double work. Yes maybe they are doing more work than men but still men help them now days and have started trying to understand their situations. For example men do laundary, they started cooking like its not that women always do everything.
ReplyDeleteI found this image not to be surprising because most men barely do housework and make their wife do it. Like Terry said "Obviously, the image above is a gag and not an actual label on a shirt (I would hope)." I agree with his comments as i hope its not a real label on a shirt.
ReplyDeleteI believe that in the right society, the duties of the couple will be split in half. The male does half the work and the wife does the other half. I don't think it is fair for women to be the housewife as they have to clean up after every single mess. Also if the wife of the family has another job and comes home to clean up than its not fair as she is doing work 24/7. I believe that it is the wife's decision whether they will stay at home or go to work.
I think that men should split the work with the women in the house. It makes the tasks easier and it allows the couple to spend more time together. When the man dose the work, it shows a sense of equality in the house which could influence the children in a good way. I don't think it is unmanly to do housework, as there are many male housewives and male nannies. So i don't find it to be embarrasing as every man should do it so that they make the lives of their wives easier, allowing them to spend more time together.
This is my first time seeing this image and I do not find it funny rather I find it disrespectful and that was my reaction.
ReplyDeleteThis stereotype is something that has existed for a long time and it is hard to change. If we look back in time before the Second World War happened and everything before that most women generally stayed at home and only did housework, gardening, and other things of that sort. After the Second World War there was a demand for more jobs and men were gone at war or injured and it was the woman that started getting the same jobs that men did. From then on there were many female activist and fought for there rights and thankfully woman are almost equal to men. The reason I say almost is because if we look at the occupations that woman and men have, men generally get paid more than woman when they are qualified for the same thing. Ending your second question I think that it is not fair what woman are going through and of course woman should get the choice to stay home or go to work.
I think that if a man wants to build a better relationship with his family he should help with the house work because it is giving the wife a break if she is a housewife and it is showing your children that men actually do work around the house. In conclusion I do not think it is embarrassing for men to do it rather it builds the relationship.
comment by Tasnim:
ReplyDeleteNow a day in our society females tend to delay having children, since females want to get more education and better professions. Before, women weren’t seen as breadwinners, they often stayed home and took care of the children due to the fact that they weren’t allowed to work outside of their home. Men were the bread winners, and the females are the bread makers. Although females have better opportunities now compared to back then, they would always stay home and take care of their children. And even if they have jobs they would take a break from their job and take care of the children and the house full time at least until the children could go to school. Since, scientifically females are the ones who deliver affective nurturance to their children since they were the ones who carried them in their womb for nine months. Also I think that children should be raised by both parents, and the chores shared by both parents, because one parent can’t do everything it is better if both parents work together, by working together not only does the work get done but it builds a stronger relationship.
1) It is concerning for the person who did that. i don't think though it was meant to be taken for real, but more like a joke that makes fun of the role of women. which is worrying, he is making a joke that includes discrimination toward women.
ReplyDelete2) I'm for equal right of genders. Today life is expensive and you need more than one person to work in the family to live decent life but it would be unfair if the woman had to do everything including the work. So i think the family including the children if big enough should do turns on who has to do what in the house and not only the girls.
3)It is not humiliating for men to do so, personalty, my mom puts me on work sometime. For example tide my room or learn how to do house stuff like cooking and Landry. I don't see it as bad but more like being independent in your life.
1) To be honest, I am quite disappointed in the image. Simply because of the fact that people continue to keep adding fuel to such negative stereotypes. The women should have no responsibility for such things such as laundry to be considered their jobs. Rather a mutual effort should be given by both the husband and wife in completing such tasks. When one is busy the other should take care of it, no pressure should be given to only the husband or wife in the relationship in regards to the housework.
ReplyDelete2) In regards to the stereotype, I strongly believe that such stupid ideas must be forgotten. The housework should be a group effort from both the husband and the wife. I honestly do not think it is fair in the womens perspective because she is expected to bear the extra pressure and inconvenience of cleaning, cooking, doing such things, while also doing exactly what the male is doing, which is working. The male should definitely help the women by making the household work a group effort, otherwise he is simply being selfish, and inconsiderate. In regards to women working, I think that there should be no question as to whether they should be left at home or go out to work. That should be their choice as much as it is the husbands choice.
3) I strongly think that in order to create a successful household the male and female must contribute towards taking care of the household choirs. The couple should be able to rely on each other, such that when one is busy the other one will take care of it for that certain day. In regards to doing household work being unmanly, I would disagree because first of all I help with the housework all the time, and it is nothing close to unmanly, whatever that means anyways. In todays society, where males are taking up what used to be more feminine traits such as applying makeup, helping with the housework should honestly be considered no problem and obviously not embarrassing or unmanly.
1) I think the above image is making fun of the stereotype that women should be the ones doing the laundry. If people didn't think that the tag was rediculous, they wouldn't find it funny.
ReplyDelete2) Women should be able to choose to do whatever they want. There is no evidence that either gender has a more powerful brain. In our day and age, physical strength is a requirement for very few jobs. These requirements can also still be met by a woman, she will just might have to work harder. 99% of jobs that men can do, a woman can do just as well.
3) Being "manly" doesen't really mean much to me, because there is no logic behind it. Fair is fair and housework is no more a woman's job than it is a man's job.
My reaction to this article is that Andy you did a good job. According to the African custom-Ghanaian tradition, the man goes out to work while the woman stays home to cook and also finish any other house-hold chores. My mum on the other hand, raised me differently. She once told me, I can’t always depend on a female to cook for me, do my laundry or tidy-up the house because she may be is in serious conditions such as being in the process of giving birth. So she basically thought me how to play the role of a man and a girl (female). To those saying it’s the responsibility of a female to do house-hold chores, what will you do if your wife happens to be in such a situation? Those practices are old-fashion. We are in a modern world, so have to do away the un-professional thoughts and be prepared to volunteer to help your partner-wife in any unexpected situation.
ReplyDeleteMy view concerning the stereotype of women doing all the house chores should seize, because it’s too ridiculous. It’s slavery- the women are made to do a lot of chores while the man normally sit doing nothing without making an attempt to help his wife. Such behaviors can lead to constant conflicts or disputes in families or in relationships. The males should participate in helping the females in tidying up or even cook. This can help the male learn from the female; thus, how to cook so he may not always be dependent on the female if she is away.
Working as partners, can strengthen relationships or improve the cordial relation. The female may not feel lonely working on a particular house-hold chore without coming to an end. There may be an extra hand available to get the chore done on time. Through working as a group, each other work as a group to get a task done easily.
1. The image shown above is quite funny as it makes fun of the stereotype that women, being housewives, should take care of the household, in this case the laundry. We all know that this is not true, we wouldn't actually find out a tag saying this.
ReplyDelete2. In today's generation , everything is changing to an extent unimaginable. People are getting more smarter day by day. Responding to Andy's question , I think women should be able to decide what they want to or they don't want to do . They should judge themselves. The freedom in an household should undoubtedly exist so that the wife does not have to work according to the husband.
3. I think that men should be equally responsible for managing out the household work. In no means, it would be unmanly to do that.
I found the image funny, but it stating that it is the woman’s job to do the laundry is wrong. I think it’s disrespectful towards women, and reinforces the stereotype that women do all the housework, while men work.
ReplyDeleteI think in the majority of families, that the woman does the housework, but it is wrong for them to be forced to do so. If they choose to stay at home rather than get a job, they have the right to do so. What I find unfair, is that because women choose to stay at home, they appear inferior to men because they do not make money. They do just as much work, perhaps more, so they should get the same respect.
I don’t think that it is unmanly for a man to help their spouse with the housework, and I think they should regularly do so. Doing the housework is also very important, and tiring, if the woman needs assistance, the man should help without having to be asked.
1) I wasn’t really surprised to see this king of image. It’s really sad but it many parts of the world, including where I live in Canada, it’s socially acceptable for women to be servant like people. I’m not going to lie and say the picture didn’t upset me, it’s really disrespectful. There are many couples out there who share the house work! Maybe not equally but many husbands help out and contribute and I pray that I get married to someone who helps me out! In fact I respect men who like to help around the house because it shows they care
ReplyDelete2) Well it’s obviously not a nice stereotype. I mean if women were seen as these amazing house cleaners who strive for neatness, that be awesome but unfortunately the house wife is seen as a negative view in many cases. She’s seen as a hopeless servant, which is horrible! First of it they should not be doing all the housework, cause if other people live in that house than they need to contribute as well. It’s not fair at all and I hope families realize that they need to do their part; it’s all part of keeping a nice happy healthy home, so get involved! Of course women have the choice to work at home or work outside of home. Whatever makes you feel comfortable and happy is what you should do. If a woman feels that she’s making a significant difference by staying at home and tending to her family, than that’s great. (if she’s being treated right and appreciated)
3) WOW awesome question! Yes I think that men should in fact help A LOT when it comes to the housework. It’s your house, so why not? It is the farthest thing from embarrassing. I don’t see how it’s weird to do house chores when you own that house. It’s like taking a shower. Do you not groom and clean yourself to look good because it’s your body? So why in the world would you not clean your house because you LIVE IN IT. The point is that men are a part of that household and need to get involved, they should not just leave it up to the woman, she needs a break and deserves to make other choices! It is the farthest thing from manly, I honestly don’t know where that stereotype comes from. Men helping around the house more may even help their relationship with their spouse. When you help someone you show appreciation which I’m sure makes people happy so, DO YOUR OWN DAMN LAUNDARY!
Many housewives are women because its how many families are. Ways have changed but there are still alot of women housewives. It my be cultural or religious, who knows however a lot of men help out with housework all the time and it is rare I see a family with a women slaving over laundry, dishes, moping the floor, and taking care of children. There is almost always someone helping because we recognize how hard it is as men and respect the women that do that hard work.
ReplyDeleteI am not surprised to be honest because back in the days, there was a guideline for women on how to be a good housewife and it had things such as “Don't ask him questions about his actions or question his judgment or integrity. Remember, he is the master of the house and as such will always exercise his will with fairness and truthfulness. You have no right to question him” or “Listen to him. You may have a dozen important things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first - remember, his topics of conversation are more important than yours.” I still find it to be offensive but I am not really mad because I do not think a lot of men do treat women in such way in developed countries. I think women have really proved themselves and have gained respect by fighting for their rights.
ReplyDeleteI do find the stereotype to be offensive but I also find it silly when people use it in real life. This is because our attitudes have progressed significantly since late 1960s. This stereotype still exists but I do not think it is common in Canada or maybe US as it would be in 3rd world countries.
Men are now voluntarily helping out with housework and I think now there are things such as “househusband”, where the woman is the “breadwinner” and the husband stays at home and look after the children. It is rare but it still exists. Sometimes, both husband and wife share chores and they decide who is going to do what the following day.