Can I be a Feminist and a housewife?
I found myself asking that question when I was - surprise! - pregnant with my first child last year. While you can answer the question with a yes or a no, it is a bit more layered than that.
First answer: No!
There's a typical argument, usually postured by what I like to call 'amateur feminists'. (I feel justified saying this, as I was once one myself.) This argument is as follows: "With a brain like yours, why would you waste your talents cooking dinners and cleaning house?"
Truly, if by choosing to be a housewife, I become fixated on keeping a perfect household - think 1950s television - I think the argument would be compelling. However, staying home no longer means that you will become a sheltered woman.
After all, we've got the internet. For the first time in recorded history, even a bedridden person can be fully connected to the world outside their home. There's news sites, discussion groups, social networking sites...you name it, it's out there.
If we, as housewives, continually exercise our minds as well as our domestic muscles, we can prevent any backsliding that could occur from 'perfect household syndrome'.
Truly, if by choosing to be a housewife, I become fixated on keeping a perfect household - think 1950s television - I think the argument would be compelling. However, staying home no longer means that you will become a sheltered woman.
After all, we've got the internet. For the first time in recorded history, even a bedridden person can be fully connected to the world outside their home. There's news sites, discussion groups, social networking sites...you name it, it's out there.
If we, as housewives, continually exercise our minds as well as our domestic muscles, we can prevent any backsliding that could occur from 'perfect household syndrome'.
Second answer: Yes!
At its core, Feminism is about a woman's right to choose. Think of the suffragettes, who braved the streets to drum up support for their cause. All they wanted was a right to choose - some wanted prohibition, others laws against domestic violence.
Some people in our society look at being a housewife or stay at home mother as quaint or even backwards. Some think that only especially religious people would do so. On the other side of the coin, many Feminists are horrified at the very idea.
I'm here to tell you that there's thousands of us who have made the choice to be the domestic supporters of our families. Yes, we are washing dishes and doing laundry, but we're also blogging, reading, and raising socially aware children.
Some people in our society look at being a housewife or stay at home mother as quaint or even backwards. Some think that only especially religious people would do so. On the other side of the coin, many Feminists are horrified at the very idea.
I'm here to tell you that there's thousands of us who have made the choice to be the domestic supporters of our families. Yes, we are washing dishes and doing laundry, but we're also blogging, reading, and raising socially aware children.
Resources for Feminist Housewives
- Feminist Housewives
- This is a new resource and community site created by me, as I was unable to find one especially for Feminist housewives. Come join the discussion!
- Famous Feminist Database
- Ever wonder who the movers and shakers of Feminism are? Heard a name but don't know what he/she did? Check out this great database.
- Feminist Mormon Housewives
- I don't share their faith, but this is a great community blog. It could be especially helpful for you if your community has very traditional views of the woman's role.
- Independent Women's Forum
- All issues are women's issues
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