Housework is one of the most underrated jobs in today’s society. In most families where only the father works, and the mother does household chores and babysitting, they do not notice how much money they save. In order to objectively assess the share of savings and participation in family affairs, a list of things that stay-at-home mothers usually do is compiled. This list includes cleaning, washing dishes, raising children, taking them out for walks, picking them up from school, shopping for groceries, and gardening.
A survey was conducted among workers to provide such services to determine their average cost. The data showed that with a complete package of services, including taking care of two children and being in the house around the clock, the fee could reach up to $6,500 per month. Assuming a couple has a small living space and fewer responsibilities, the average price would be $2,000 per month. In both cases, the amounts are significant enough to be singled out without notice. In addition, a housewife’s work can have a particular impact on other family members that a hired worker cannot (Odenweller et al., 2020). For example, emotional support for a loved one in case of problems. This, in turn, is a positive factor for the partner’s productivity, as he feels he is being taken care of.
Social factors are associated with the idea that stay-at-home mothers may be the prevailing social culture. In many people’s view, if a woman does not work in an official job with a clear salary, then she does not work at all (KarabaÄź, 2022). Because of this, there is a constant depreciation of domestic work, which, according to the survey, can be paid very dearly. Another social factor may be the belief of many patriarchal families that this is how it should be.
References
Odenweller, K. G., Rittenour, C. E., Dillow, M. R., Metzger, A., Myers, S. A., & Weber, K. (2020). Ambivalent effects of stay-at-home and working mother stereotypes on mothers’ intergroup and interpersonal dynamics. Journal of Family Communication, 20(1), 16-35. Web.
KarabaÄź, M. (2022). From stay-at-home women to career-minded women: the Istanbul YWCA, 1919–1930. Women’s History Review, 31(3), 496-521. Web.