Court ruling puts value on house work
After decades of women’s rights advocacy and slow but steady social change, women have legitimized their right to work outside the home. But for those who still choose to forgo a career to manage the household, the battle for recognition of their often-belittled domestic work has been ongoing.
For Claudia McIntyre, a mother of two who suffers chronic pain after a car crash, that battle finagled its way into the courtroom, inadvertently prompting a landmark decision recently, which says housework is so important that it may actually be integral to a woman’s identity.
The groundbreaking Ontario Court of Appeal decision may point to a more widespread cultural shift, one that increasingly values housework and understands that such seemingly menial tasks as vacuuming and dusting are actually sources of pride and self-esteem.
Yet while some onlookers are ecstatic about a decision that recognizes the importance of maintaining a home, others argue the compensation is unjustifiable, glorifies everyday tasks and actually marks a step backward for women’s rights.
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Male, retired and the rest is of little interest to anyone. The site keeps me busy and if it helps others to stay abreast of daily events then my time is well spent.
mike Says:
Being a stay at home Dad for the last 12 years and doing most of the housework, (shopping, cooking, laundry and some of the cleaning) I certainly agree with the article from the standpoint of taking pride in doing a good job. It is time consuming, never ending and challenging but in the end fulfilling.
mid island mike
Posted on June 13th, 2009 at 6:11 pm
Jack Says:
Agreed, Mike. I’ll just bet that you can make up a bed and a quarter will bounce off of it. I know that stuff too.
Posted on June 13th, 2009 at 6:21 pm
Jema54 Says:
Good news for families! Living in a pigsty is not healthy for any family.
Posted on June 13th, 2009 at 7:34 pm