Homemaker

A homemaker is a person whose prime occupation is to care for their family and home. The term homemaker is used in preference to either housewife or househusband because it is inclusive, defines the role in terms of activities, rather than relation to another, and is independent of marital status. The terms stay-at-home mother and stay-at-home father are also used.

Feminist critique

Many feminists, beginning with Betty Friedan, have criticised the marginalisation of women as housewives. Feminists generally suggest that homemaking should be an appropriate role for a parent of either sex. Also, they maintain that housewives can become socially isolated by being tied to their home.

Related Topics:
Feminist - Betty Friedan

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Some feminists also point out that the monetary contribution of housewives work to society is ignored in standard formulations of economic output, such as GDP or employment figures. In the US, housewives work many hours a week without it being recorded, while depending on their partner's employment to provide health insurance and money.

Related Topics:
Health insurance - Money

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