The term housewife!

[Deleted User]

Well I was a housewife and quite happy to be one when my children were tiny then economic nessecity meant I had to return to work,but still carried on doing my indoor work as well. I now am widowed and retired so I am back at home and running it fairly well and look upon it as a challenge to run my home as economically as possible and to my satisfaction. It's run as a business in a way, with spread sheets and stocktaking notes and profits and the occasional losses(luckily not too many of those)In these tough times we all have to work that little bit harder to make ends meet so being a 'housewife' as such, is a very important job.I remember years ago and a very 'posh do' my OH and I were at and a snooty lady (one of the directors wives asked peering down her long nose at me 'Ah what do you do dear' I replied that I was a housewife who looked after our children and home.'Really' she replied 'how bizarre, and quaint'.Now I do have a bit of a feisty streak in me at times so I said 'Yes I much prefer doing it, to off loading my family on to someone else to look after, otherwise there is little point in marriage really,we are a partnership, and he does what he does best, and so do I ' She looked a bit shocked at this and looking at her OH I could see he was trying to smother a smile.I happened to know that they had 'staff' and she did basically very little indoors at all and he was always moaning about the fact that she was neither use nor ornament .
Her OH who was one of the directors of Castrol Oil leaned across and said 'Well I think thats wonderful and good for you to realise how important it is what you are doing in taking care of your family so well,I bet you even make cakes as well don't you?'
'Doesn't everyone' I replied 'I'll make you a fruit cake and send you one if you like '
He was really pleased and said 'That would be terrific I haven't had a home made cake since I left home and got married '
His wife stalked off furious and red faced The husband said in an undertone 'Serves her right for being so condecending my dear, you carry on with your important work at home I like my executives to have a good home life it makes for a better work life .
My OH after this important chap wandered off said to me 'Well done honey I'm proud of what you do, never let anyone put you down. A housewife is the heart of the home and when I am coming home I know I am coming into a place where I can relax and feel comfortable' .
The idea that I would call myself a domestic engineer or such rubbish like that was absurd.I was a wife,and Mum first and anything I did after that was to help our finances.

valk_scot

It's just a word to describe what you do and not derogatory at all imho. Unless the words plumber and postman or nurse are derogatory? People who link the word housewife with lazy, chocolate eating, couch potato, parasite or stupid etc etc (I've had all of these) simply don't know what they're talking about because they have never tried it. Staying at home to look after an OH and two kids on a tight budget is a full time job invoving a wide range of skills and a great deal of hard work, plus it's usually 24/7 with no sick or holiday days, no bonuses and no chance of delegating the crappy jobs. No wonder it's not that popular a career choice!

RevolvingDoor

I don't find the term housewife to be derogatory, people use the term househusband too. Homemaker sounds nicer but it sounds also as if you build the home yourself.:rotfl:

lostinrates

As someone who is predominantly a housewife but has no children, I find it interesting how many people have including childcare in the remit of 'house wife'.

IMO, stay at home mother's are less 'tainted' with the derogatory associations than we house wives with no kids. Edit...tbc...we don't marry our children!

Saturnalia

I'm quite sad that I can't use the term housewife, having neither husband nor kids. It sounds so much better than unemployed. And I am good at keeping the place neat & tidy, honest!

craigywv

JACKIEO as always a lovely post x

sweetpea26

oh my goodness whatever next...wife!!!!!

I stay at home and run this house very well Most days. I am also someone's wife so I have no problem being called a housewife. I think I am very fortunate to be able to be at home without the pressures of work as well as keeping this place/lot happy/organised/sane. So I have to say I wear the 'badge' with thankfulness and relief.

I really don't like homemaker as a term...its an americanism :):)

So I will remain a housewife...thank you v much

sweetpea26

valk_scot wrote: »

It's just a word to describe what you do and not derogatory at all imho. Unless the words plumber and postman or nurse are derogatory? People who link the word housewife with lazy, chocolate eating, couch potato, parasite or stupid etc etc (I've had all of these) simply don't know what they're talking about because they have never tried it. Staying at home to look after an OH and two kids on a tight budget is a full time job invoving a wide range of skills and a great deal of hard work, plus it's usually 24/7 with no sick or holiday days, no bonuses and no chance of delegating the crappy jobs. No wonder it's not that popular a career choice!

Exactly...you have hit the nail on the head. Its a tough job but it has to be done.


Jackie O brilliant...I agree with the old saying behind every great man is a greater woman.:):):)
My husband could not do what I do...he is glad to get out to work in the morning and all he wants is a bit of peace when he gets home. i.e. that I have sorted all the dramas etc before he does come home ... ideally. :)

Monsternextdoor

I am a housewife and dont really mind the term, If anything at this moment in time and in my life I need to be a housewife my LO isant at school yet and childcare would cripple us atm.

If anything I'm happy to be at home as I run the house, I am responsible for managing the money, day to day bits and pieces dealing with everything that gets chucked after me, Atm we are moving so I am clearing out and binning stuff that we dont need anymore and selling bits I dont want which otherwize would be left.

System

When i am asked i always say 'i'm just a housewife' in a sort of apologetic term. I wish i felt more valued in my role.