Reply to The value of “women’s work”

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I work a very part time job so I can be the primary parent in my household. I also do the vast majority of housework and family admin.

I do think my spouse and kids deeply value the unpaid work I do.

I do not think SOCIETY values the work I do.[/quote]

If I'm society, I certainly do. Not that any of my SAHM neighbors owe anyone any help. They don't owe their neighbors anything. But, when they go to the store, they ask a group of us full time working moms if we need anything. If we run out of anything, they offer it. Sometimes they give my kids a ride. Not because I ask them but because they can and it's convenient enough for them in the moment. I try not to take advantage of the offers too often because I need to be able to handle my life but it's very appreciated.
 [/quote]

A lot of the problem is built into institutions. There are often assumptions that a SAHM or a mom not working full time is available to make other people's lives easier. The SAHM might actually have more on her plate than others, but because her work is unpaid, there is a presumption that it's not important, can be rescheduled, or should not be prioritized.

It's also frustrating to be seen, always, as someone who is available to help others, but other people never view themselves as having any obligation to help you. So there's an assumption that SAHMs always have the freedom to help with pick up and drop off, or volunteer at school, or reschedule something last minute. Meanwhile when I was recovering from surgery, my spouse and I had to muddle through with no help for two weeks and peopel assumed it was fine because I'm "just" a SAHM so the things I do day to day couldn't matter that much, right?

People assume I have an easy life. But my life is no easier than most working moms, IMO. [/quote]

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