Question

            Explain the differences between men and women by marital status on time spent performing market and housework. How have these differences changed over time? Explain the differences in time spent in primary care of children for married mothers, single mothers, and married men.

Answer 1

In the recent past women have thrown off the shackles of mere family life and have come right to the forefront of every profession. They have proved themselves successful in the fields that were once considered taboo. They have proved time and again that they are not only good home makers but also efficient career makers.

Women excel in diverse fields like space exploration, media, entertainment, medicine, research etc. Most of these careers demand long working hours. The hand that rocks cradle is just a step away from ruling the world. Unlike men, women may not be able to put in the regular forty hours per week because of pregnancy of child care. But this is a short time when compared to a career life that spans thirty or forty years. They are competent enough to strike the right balance between work and home.

Gone are the days when women opted for part time jobs merely to supplement husband's income. Today they hold prestigious positions such as ministers, head of institutions, police officers, colonels etc. As more and more women reach the top rungs in the corporate ladder, they appoint more and more women under them. This helps in the emancipation of the lower strata of society and makes them financially sound. On the other hand, as more women choose to work full time, a whole host of  problems also creep in. Today women are paid less in many fields and exploited in different ways. There has been a shift in priorities at home work, which has led to many broken families and single parenthood.Gender bias is still prevalent, not just in the primitive societies but in the so called civilized ones as well.

As far as child care is concerned, whether it is single mother, or married mothers or married men, children should be brought up in a highly safe and secure atmosphere. Clearly speaking, first six years are very much important in a child's life, it is time he acquires the value of life such as love , care etc.They should be fed with these qualities first, then only they can share it to others. It is better to consider a MOTHER as the soul mender, because only she has the virtues of patience, love etc.