The idea of gender injustice within the family is one that is most prevalent in our society today. A quote I found that stood out to me is, “Women are embedded into families in ways that men are not”. A woman is not only expected to be “a second earner” in the household, but is also responsible for the “emotional, physical, and social well-being of her family”. The idea of gender injustice is one that has affected my family on a personal level. The suggestion of women working a “second shift” is a concept that has been customary as I have grown with my family.
In today’s society/economy, it is very rare for a household to only have one income. From a modern standpoint, it is acceptable and normal for the husband’s work to take superiority over his family responsibility. If a woman does not fulfill her family duties prior to her working responsibilities, she is thought to be negligent.
I closely related the concepts above to a book I own called The Invisible Heart: Economics and Family Values. I particularly enjoyed the concepts brought forth by Nancy Folbre in the excerpt. Here she speaks to gender equality and the division of labor. I really like the idea of encouraging men and women to divide labor equally so that there can be room for individual success. My favorite aspect about the excerpt was the five guidelines Folbre concludes with. The first being that we should reject claims that women should be more altruistic than men, either in the home or in society as a whole. Second, defending family values against the corrosive effects of self-interest. Third, confront the difficulties of establishing democratic governance in families, communities, countries, and the world as a whole. Fourth, aim for a kinder and wiser form of economic development. Finally, develop and strengthen ways of rewarding the work of care.
I believe that we have come a long way in society when speaking to the concept of gender injustice. It is still my hope that more can be done.
