Housewifes (or husbands... or house co-habs or civil partners ?...) & the economy

sjaypink

Well, not quite '& the economy' ....

....but, I was just wondering about the perceptions of the economically inactive

A colleague at work today suggested its amazing how many people [STRIKE]lie[/STRIKE] write on forms 'housewife' rather than 'unemployed'

When I asked what he classed himself as whilst at uni he said 'student (why? what you trying to say?)'

He wasn't too happy about me insinuating his 73 year old Nan was a work shy layabout either

So, whats the difference? :cool:

michaels

Well my SAHM wife could go out to work, by the time we had paid the child care we would be worse off and my kids would be being looked after by a stranger rather than their mother - but if that's what it takes for you to believe that she is not a dosser then so be it...

penelopedee_2

I thought that a housewife was somebody who stayed at home to do the job of looking after the children and looking after the house. Therefore they do have a job, an unpaid one that is 24 hours 7 days a week.

sjaypink

michaels wrote: »

Well my SAHM wife could go out to work, by the time we had paid the child care we would be worse off and my kids would be being looked after by a stranger rather than their mother - but if that's what it takes for you to believe that she is not a dosser then so be it...

Exactly. If your wife was asked what her occupation was, she replied 'housewife', and was told 'you mean unemployed?' she'd (I imagine) be rightly peed off.

But if anyone states 'student' or 'retired', they are not judged to be anything other are they (AFAIK)?

Why are women (or men) who stay at home assumed to be less of a citizen? *confused smiley*

As you may be able to tell I was a bit annoyed :-)

sss555s

Is a housewife not someone who doesn't/can't claim unemployment benefit?

olly300

housewife/househusband - someone looking after a house for their family which often includes children
retired - someone normally over the age of 60 who doesn't work for money
student - someone studying at an institution of higher education
unemployed - someone actively seeking work and on the government jobless figures. They may be doing other things but if they are seeking paid employment and on the jobless figures regardless of whether they receive dole money then they are unemployed.

economically inactive - someone who falls into the above categories plus a few more such as those with illnesses which mean they are not fit enough to work and those who are full-time carers.

olly300

sjaypink wrote: »

Why are women (or men) who stay at home assumed to be less of a citizen? *confused smiley*

Unfortunately now in society housewives, househusbands and carers aren't seen as doing a useful role in society as their primary motivation is doing something that will not end up with them getting paid.

Retired people are seen in the same light if they are not involved in doing something "useful" in society i.e. looking after family or doing volunteer work.

Students are seen differently as they are gaining skills to become potential earners.

Edited to say: The fact that retired people can often be the only neighbours in during the day so are the ones who can accept parcels for their neighbours, or stop you being burgled by simply being around even if they are rich enough to go on lots of holidays isn't enough.

sjaypink

olly300 wrote: »

Unfortunately now in society housewives, househusbands and carers aren't seen as doing a useful role in society as their primary motivation is doing something that will not end up with them getting paid.

Retired people are seen in the same light if they are not involved in doing something "useful" in society i.e. looking after family or doing volunteer work.

Students are seen differently as they are gaining skills to become potential earners.

Edited to say: The fact that retired people can often be the only neighbours in during the day so are the ones who can accept parcels for their neighbours, or stop you being burgled by simply being around even if they are rich enough to go on lots of holidays isn't enough.

Hmm, he really didn't agree with the retired being umemployed (nor the students, obviously ), but I bet he would have put carers in the smae 'unemployed' catagory as the housewives....

.... I hadn't thought of carers.

Perhaps its an age thing. Maybe you don't realise the importance of being a full-time parent or carer for a relative until you've experienced it in some way yourself.

sss555s

sjay you need to get out more

sjaypink

sss555s wrote: »

sjay you need to get out more

Yeah :rotfl:

Just riled me a bit. Just the way it was like 'why are these people trying to pretend they're not unemployed?' ???

!!!!!! the job we - as in me & the said colleague - do (regardless of recent government pressures!) is nothing compared to bringing up kids FT!

When I was a SAHM I felt quite down a lot of the time 'cos I thought people looked down on me for not having a 'job' and perceiving I was lazy... I got out of that by telling myself it was all in my head!

Well I wasn't mad, & I wasn't lazy! People really do think it!

sss555s

Everyone is in different situations and it does no good to judge others.

You just need to let them to get on with theirs like you do with yours.


erm your mate i mean