Check out 16 Return-To-Work Programs In India For Ambitious Women Like You!
The modern family need no longer play by arcane rules of gender roles. Every family should decide for themselves what role the individuals in it play.
Sometimes, in our enthusiasm to to extinguish patriarchy and gender bias, we lose sight of the important stuff and follow formulas and mantras. Do we forget, that is what got us here in the first place?
What does equal partners really mean in a marriage? Does it mean that each partner does exactly half of everything from child care, taking care of a multitude of tasks that are required for a functional family, to providing financially?
In my opinion, this is a simplistic definition. If we adhered to this definition, families would become quite inefficient and pointless. I believe, families are like a team. If everybody does what they are best at, contributes their fair share to all left over tasks and fills in for each other in times of illness or other crises, then families can be run in a smooth and efficient manner with much joy and happiness.
Does this sound like the traditional family where mom takes care of housework and dad of earning money? Possibly but not necessarily. The traditional family is but one of many possibilities.
Feminism has freed women from the shackles of house work and shown them endless possibilities of the world around. But feminism is most importantly about the freedom to make choices, and not have society dictate those choices for people, weather they are traditional, modern or fashionable.
Families work best if every one gets to choose.
Mom could prefer to work and dad prefer handle a bulk of the domestic duties.
Dad could prefer to work and mom could prefer to handle most of the domestic duties.
Mom and dad could both want to work and they could share their domestic duties.
Both partners in a couple could want to focus on their career and not have kids.
And then there could be couples where both want to focus on family life and they both work to earn just enough to have a comfortable family life.
There are a myriad of options and possibilities, and degrees to which husband and wife may want to invest in work and family. The important thing is that this be a discussion between them, where each gets to freely voice their opinions, so the couple can work out a fair compromise, making the most of their individual interests and abilities, taking into account what support systems they have available to them.
When each family member is contributing is a way that suits them best, then the family is as productive as can be and stress levels are low. It is quite unlikely that a couple can work out an arrangement that is perfect for them both, so compromises will have to be made.
The first is neither should feel cheated or taken advantage of. If that is the case they should voice their concern, because no matter how close and loving a couple is, one partner may not always be able to accurately read the mind of the other. And if resentment is allowed to fester it will eventually sour relations.
The second is, for each partner to learn to appreciate the complexities and to value of work put in by the other, whatever that work may be. Often, seeing someone else do work makes their work seem easy, because we only see the results and don’t experience the struggle. By contrast our own work seems far more worthy because we have intimate knowledge of all the difficulties involved.
Finally it is important to realise that each family is unique, and there are no set rules for who should do what. If one lived alone they would have to do everything, but the advantage of living in a family is each member can take on a greater share of the work they are most suited to, adding to the efficiency, productivity and happiness of the family unit.
It is not for either modern or traditional society to decide what the role of each member should be. Feminism endeavours to bring more choices for everyone, men included, so we can optimize productivity and happiness and minimize stress and resentment, in family life.
Let’s drop the labels and make the family the focus.
Become a premium user on Women’s Web and get access to exclusive content for women, plus useful Women’s Web events and resources in your city.
Published here earlier.
Image source: By Bill Branson (Photographer) [Public domain or Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Kanika G, a physicist by training and a mother of 2 girls, started writing to entertain her older daughter with stories, thus opening the flood gates on a suppressed passion. Today she has written over read more...
Women's Web is an open platform that publishes a diversity of views, individual posts do not necessarily represent the platform's views and opinions at all times.
Stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter or Daily Summary - or both!
People say that women are the greatest enemies of women. I vehemently disagree. It is the patriarchal mindset that makes women believe in the wrong ideology.
The entire world celebrates International Women’s Day on March 8, 2024. It should be a joyful day, but unfortunately, not all women are entitled to this privilege, as violence against women is at its peak. The experience of oppression pushes many women to choose freedom. As far as patriotism is concerned, feminism is not a cup of tea in this society.
What happens when a woman decides to stand up for herself? Does this world easily accept the decisions of women in this society? What inspires them to be free of the clutches of the oppression that women have faced for ages? Most of the time, women do not get the chance to decide for themselves. Their lives are always at the mercy of someone, which can be their parents, siblings, husband, or children.
In some cases, women do not feel the need to make any decisions. They are taught to obey the patriarchal system, which makes them believe that they are right. In my family, I was never taught to make decisions on my own. It was always my parents who bought dresses and all that I needed.
The local artisans excel in crafting beautiful fabrics, each piece telling a story of skill and tradition passed down through generations.
Textiles and handlooms of India embody the essence of the country’s rich cultural heritage and artistic diversity. Renowned worldwide for their quality, these textiles showcase intricate designs and vibrant colors, woven into fabric using traditional techniques passed down through generations. Each region offers its unique weave, from the fine silks of Varanasi to the block prints of Rajasthan and the exquisite handloom cottons of Bengal.
These textiles are not just pieces of cloth but art forms that tell stories of the land, its people, and their beliefs. The craftsmanship speaks of India’s dedication to preserving its ancestral arts, making Indian handlooms a testament to the country’s unparalleled legacy in textile artistry.
Raisen, a hidden gem in the state of Madhya Pradesh, is no different. Being a unique blend of historical charm and cultural richness, Raisen is well known for its tales of bygone eras. But it is also a cradle of traditional textiles and art.
Please enter your email address