Pace Press

Issue date: 2/28/07 Section: Features

Mrs. Jane Doe traditionally rises at dawn, prepares breakfast for her husband and children and spends the day doing chores. But due to the feminist revolution, the way Mrs. Doe spends her day has been deemed offensive. Some say Mrs. Doe should stay home, nurture the children and iron John Doe's work suits. Others say she should pursue an education and seek gainful employment. Others say it is a balancing act; the modern housewife is a woman who juggles both in a fulfilling way.

There are myriad websites that glorify the idea of a 'retro-housewife," a concept much different than the wives who slaved in the kitchen during the 1950s. According to Brocantehome.com, a website that embraces staying at home, "The modern housewife's lifestyle is a show of respect - respect for ourselves and others. Housewives dress each morning just as if they're going to an outside job because keeping house and caring for families is a job. It's a serious job."

While cleaning and cooking is indeed serious work to the women with the job, feminists find this act almost retrograde; they support striking a balance. Feminists stress the idea that choosing a housewife lifestyle is a choice, but gaining an education should be a main priority and aspiration - in addition to marriage and children.

On the site retro-housewife.com, a feminist contributing writer said, "I very strongly believe in equity in relationships. [I would never accept a marriage] where I get excitement out of new cleaning products or recipes."

According to a recent study entitled "Gender Equity in Higher Education: 2006," which was conducted by the American Council on Education (ACE) and published on WomenInHigherEducation.com, females made up 58 percent of undergraduates in 2003 - 2004. Of the 40 percent of those undergraduates who were 25 or older, women have made up 62 percent since 2000. Jacqueline E. King, author of the ACE study, said 'Overall women are now 57 percent of all college students."

Many women who actively pursue education ultimately go on to lead to a career-oriented life, but the housewife movement hasn't dissipated. Many women keep jobs while being a homemaker or obtain degrees and return to the kitchen.

"I think some women really want an education and value it, but some just go through the motions and end up getting married," said sophomore and women's and gender studies major Jennifer Garvey. "Women have come so far to get to where we are now; it's so ridiculous to get a degree and sit home and vacuum."

Continued...

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