24 APRIL 2023

In the previous centuries, the role of a housewife primarily involved managing the household, which was seen as the woman’s sphere of influence. 

It involved a range of domestic duties, such as cooking, cleaning, laundry, child-rearing, and sewing or knitting. Women were responsible for the day-to-day running of the household, including budgeting, shopping, and providing meals for the family. 

• एक गृहिणी की उभरती भूमिका 

Women also often made clothing and household goods by hand, using skills such as spinning and weaving. In addition to these domestic duties, women were also expected to be responsible for their children’s moral and spiritual education.

Furthermore, they were to support their husbands in their work outside the home. In addition to domestic duties, women worked on the family farm or in a family business. 

However, their work outside the home was often unpaid or underpaid, and their primary role was seen as Housewives.

• Mother as Best Custodian of Cultural Continuity 

So, the ‘Housewife’ had been contributing in family and society.

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“There is no school equal to a decent home and no teacher equal to a virtuous parent.” 

~ Mahatma Gandhi

The role of a Housewife in a family and society continues to be multifaceted and essential. Housewives take care of the household and its members, usually without monetary compensation. 

Some of the significant roles of a Housewife are like providing child rearing, household management, care and support, financial management, along with giving emotional support.

 Housewives are responsible for providing care and support to their family members. 

They ensure that the family members are healthy, well-fed, and have access to the necessities of life, such as clean clothes and a safe and clean home.

They continue to play a vital role in raising and nurturing children, until they are capable. During their childhood, they help children with their studies, provide emotional support, and facilitate them to develop their skills and talents.

As housewives, they are responsible for managing the household, including cooking, cleaning, laundry, and other household tasks. They ensure that the home is clean and organised and that the family has enough food and supplies. 

• एक गृहिणी की उभरती भूमिका 

In order to successfully run the house, they have to juggle through the finances. Financial management is core to managing the household. 

Housewives often manage household finances, including budgeting, bill payments, and other financial responsibilities like saving for emergencies. They help ensure the family’s financial needs are met and that all can live within their means.

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Being at the centre of the activities at home, a housewife is key person who is best suited to provide emotional support to all

Being at the centre of the activities at home, a housewife is key person who is best suited to provide emotional support to all. Housewives provide emotional support to their family members, especially during difficult times. 

They are often the ones who offer a listening ear and provide comfort and reassurance. All family members, across the societies, look towards the housewife, for solace.

It brings to a conclusion that the role of a Housewife is crucial to the well-being of a family and society. They bring stability and their contributions are invaluable.

In many places, the role of a housewife emanates from that of a mother and wife.

On numerous occasion motherhood and the traditional “housewife” are found to be inseparable. It is a complex relationship as the roles keep defining itself with time. While being a mother and a housewife can be closely related, they are two distinct roles. 

Motherhood involves children’s physical and emotional care, while the traditional “housewife” role involves managing the household and caring for domestic duties.

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In many places, the role of a housewife emanates from that of a mother and wife

Motherhood and the traditional “housewife” role are not separate and will necessarily work best in tandem.

Jhumpa Lahiri, in her novel “The Lowland,” portrays the character of Gauri as a complex and conflicted mother who must navigate the challenges of motherhood while also pursuing her dreams and ambitions.

Often the new age economics have tried to attach an economic value to the services of a housewife. So, should Housewives be classified as an economic entity?

Both motherhood and housewife is a highly emotional role. Detaching the emotions from their service, will make it seem like a profession. Without assigning a task as a profession, its economic relevance cannot be ascertained.

On the other hand, the work done by a Housewife should be recognised as an economic entity. While Housewives may not receive a salary for their work, their contributions are vital to the functioning of the economy and society.

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While Housewives may not receive a salary for their work, their contributions are vital to the functioning of the economy and society

Housewives often perform tasks that would otherwise require paid labour, such as cooking, cleaning, and childcare. These tasks enable other family members to participate in the labour force, thereby contributing to the economy. 

In addition, Housewives save their families money by performing tasks that would otherwise require paid services.

Furthermore, the work done by Housewives is often undervalued and under-recognised, leading to a lack of social and economic support for those who choose to pursue this role. 

Recognising Housewives as economic workers would help to address this issue and provide them with the support and recognition they deserve.

• एक गृहिणी की उभरती भूमिका 

Afterall the work done by Housewives is a necessary form of economic work. Therefore, it should be recognised to ensure it receives the support and recognition it deserves. 

Throughout the ages, the role of housewife had been acknowledged but due recognition has not be bestowed. Also, the role of a “housewife” has been changing over time and will likely continue to evolve in the 21st century.

With the advancement of technology, changes in family structures, and shifts in gender roles, the traditional role of a housewife as the primary caregiver and Housewife may diminish. 

However, maintaining a happy and healthy home environment and caring for family members will always be essential.

One of the significant factors contributing to the changing role of housewives is the increasing number of women entering the workforce. As more women pursue careers outside the home, the traditional role of a housewife as the primary caregiver and Housewife is being redefined. 

This trend will likely continue in the 21st century as women have more opportunities for education and career advancement.

Furthermore, the increasing use of technology and automation in the home may also lead to a shift in the traditional role of housewives. 

Smart home devices and other technological innovations can help automate many household tasks, freeing time for individuals to pursue other interests or career opportunities.

• एक गृहिणी की उभरती भूमिका 

However, it is important to note that the role of a housewife is not limited to gender and can be performed by anyone who manages the household and provides care for family members. 

As family structures continue to evolve, the role of a housewife may become more inclusive and recognise the contributions of all individuals who take on this critical role.

In summary, while the role of a housewife may change in the 21st century due to various factors, maintaining a happy and healthy home environment and providing care and emotional support for family members will always continue to be essential.