Should women work or stay at home?
Till the 20th century a suitable age to marry a girl was considered to be between 18 years and 21 years. By this age a girl could only finish her school and, maybe just manage to get a diploma degree. The main focus after her marriage was to give birth to children. Her entire life revolved around taking care of her children, husband and the husband’s family. Working outside the house was not even considered an option, especially with her insufficient education qualifications.
A few things may have changed in the 21st century. These days more women are marrying later at the age of 21-25 years after completing their education and women even try to find a job before they get married. While some continue with their jobs after marriage there is a large portion of women who quit work to look after their family.
I think it is important for a woman to do what she is most comfortable doing. She should have the right to choose the way she would like to live her life, and not be forced to take a decision by her husband or in-laws. A woman should have the right to either be at home and take care of her family or go out and work.
I feel that these days it is important for a woman to be financially stable and independent, lest she has to leave her husband, or they divorce. It is important to have some income of your own so that you are not always dependant on your husband’s wealth. It is also a refreshing change to step out of the house and take your mind off the issues at home. At the same time I also feel it is essential to strike a balance between work and family. The family should not be ignored at the cost of the job.
In this context, I would like to mention this news piece I came across on Times of India’s IDiva, which says a certain global poll has shown that one in four people, most of them young, believe a woman’s place is in the home. I quote TOI here,
The survey of over 24,000 adults in 23 countries, conducted by Reuters/Ipsos and released on the eve of International Women’s Day, showed that people from India (54 percent), Turkey (52 percent), Japan (48 percent), China, Russia, Hungary (34 percent each) and South Korea (33 percent) were most likely to agree that women should not work.
And, perhaps surprisingly, people aged between 18 and 34 years are most likely to hold that view, not those from the older, and more traditional, generation. However, the majority, or 74 percent, of those polled believe a woman’s place is certainly not at home.
[Source]
I would like to ask the Bell Bajao readers what they think about this, even after all the achievements done by women all over the world, do we still think they are better off living within closed doors?
Tagged gender roles, woman financial independence, working women
Share this:
rajivahujaApril 27, 2010 at 3:52 pm
Women should be financially independent.I think the should work.
pialiApril 30, 2010 at 9:50 am
Hi Avni,
It is not only financial independence which is the reason for a woman to work. Women wants to be treated equal with men in this patriarchial society. Working women to a certain extent face less discrimination hence it lures them towards work. Working out of yjeir homes also reduces the monotony of their life.
AnirMay 1, 2010 at 8:00 am
A stale topic we left in the 80′s. All women must work. Question should be is it paying enough to sacrifice vital portions of personal time.
boseMarch 30, 2011 at 3:02 pm
NICE PLZ TAKE INDIAN WIDOWS TO SELF EMPLOYMENT IN HOUSE
RishikeshNovember 18, 2011 at 1:16 pm
They should work but also importance to maintain the balance.
colombian girlsDecember 26, 2011 at 6:11 am
I am not positive where you’re getting your information, but good topic. I must spend some time finding out more or understanding more. Thanks for great info I was searching for this information for my mission.