We seem to slip so easily into the traditional gender roles of breadwinner and housekeeper. So many men still earn more than women. And even if they don’t so often the woman in a relationship still takes on the brunt of the housework and childcare.
There are articles about it, but I’m seeing it in the people around me. “I’m doing the cooking, cleaning and shopping” several women friends have told me. Some are also homeschooling and working during the coronavirus lockdown too. Others have lost their work.
I don’t know which is worse. To have to work on top of it all or to lose that work that for some many women I know is an important part of their identity.
When something like the coronavirus invades our lives, we do what we have to and are grateful that we and the people we love are healthy. But it’s as if so many women I know have taken a step back in time falling away from themselves and the things that fulfill them into a time when women were dependent on men for certain kinds of security.
We’ve experienced this before. Throughout history women have rocked back and forth between dependence and independence to greater or lesser degrees.
From what I can see, each time we come back stronger. Evolution is a slow process that I trust. But it’s not so easy when you’re one the other side of it.
What a great article! I think we just know when to pitch in because we ARE stronger in the first place! 🙂
Love this latest kimono stitching. Beautiful. 🙂
Thanks Fran.
Wonderful article! I am in that boat along with so many others, my husband is considered essential personnel, I am a teacher. We are both working but because I have flexibility in my distance learning schedule. I’m doing more of the chores around home. He still commutes 40 miles into town and works 8 hrs a day. It doesn’t make me upset because I know once I am back to in person learning our “duties” will level out again. I wonder if women respond to crisis by taking on more responsibility because we can set ourselves aside for awhile until the storms pass. I’m not sure if it is because we are wired this way or raised this way. Nature vs. Nuture. Either way I’m glad we are emotionally strong enough to do whatever it takes to survive.
I know in the past I’ve put myself aside and stepped in more in order to have more control or feel like I have more control over a situation. I think that stems from my anxiety. I’m not sure what it’s like for other women. But we definitely are survivors.
Hubby and I are retired and we have a different story. Since COVID-19 he has become much more domestic and responsible for household chores. He does all the shopping now because I’m immune compromised. As well, I’m usually the gardener and yard maintenance person (because I love it!) but now he’s become my partner in the outdoor work. The pandemic has a silver lining for me.
Good for you Hazel! Maybe your husband need a magnet! 🙂