Sexual division of labor labeled oppressing<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The traditional sexual division of labor between
\nmen and women, which supposedly originated from biological
\ndifferences between the sexes, is often seen as a source of
\noppression.<\/p>\n
Things were different in the past. Women had more power
\nbecause their work was vital for the survival of the family and
\ntheir tribe. Women produced most of the material goods, like
\nbedding, clothing, cooking ware and tools that could be passed on
\nthe future generation.<\/p>\n
Friedrich Engels, the author of The Origin of The Family,
\nPrivate Property and The State, believed that past societies were
\nnot only matrilinear, but also matriarchal as they had political
\nand social as well as economic power.<\/p>\n
The domestication of animals and the breeding of herds changed
\neverything, he said. Because it was the men who caught the
\nanimals at the first place, they were the ones who had the power
\nover the animals. The value of material goods produced by women
\ndropped and accordingly women had less and less power. Without
\ncontrol over the household, the status of women in society was
\ngreatly diminished.<\/p>\n
Engels said that proletarian women experience less oppression
\nthan bourgeois women. This was partly explained by the fact that
\nmany proletarian women had to work outside the house.<\/p>\n
Such conditions also prevailed in Indonesia, according to
\nfeminist Wardah Hafidz.<\/p>\n
Both men and women of the low-class worked outside the house.
\nBecause the women had their contribution to the family income,
\nthey had a better bargaining position, she said. In the middle-
\nupper class, women stayed at home and became the property of
\ntheir husbands. Economically, they were totally dependent on
\ntheir husbands.<\/p>\n
\"The rate of divorce in rural areas was high. But urban women
\nof the middle and upper class were afraid to have a divorce
\nbecause they were financially dependent on the husbands,\" Wardah,
\nwho is also a researcher, said.<\/p>\n
Domestic work, like cleaning the house, cooking and taking
\ncare of the children, is not necessary less valuable than the
\nwork outside the house. However, housewives don't get paid for
\nthis. Because they financially dependent on their husbands, they
\nare often placed in a subordinate position, she said.<\/p>\n
It seems that the problem with the sexual division of labor is
\nmore complex than \"who does this and who does that\".<\/p>\n
The biggest problem is the lack of appreciation in the
\ndomestic work.<\/p>\n
Should housewives be paid for doing the household chores?<\/p>\n
\"Why not?\"<\/p>\n
\"Italian housewives get pension allowances from the
\ngovernment,\" Wardah added.<\/p>\n
The Italian government agreed to make payments last year in
\nrecognition of the role of housewives in supporting society,
\nthanks to tireless efforts of a nation-wide organization of
\nhousewives, according to Wardah.<\/p>\n
At this moment, asking for the Indonesian government to grant
\nsuch a pension allowance might be considered \"too much\".<\/p>\n
\"What is important for the government and the people is to
\nappreciate housework. They should show respect for the work,\"
\nWardah said.<\/p>\n
\"Housework should have social status,\" she said.<\/p>\n
How about full-time househusbands? Do they exist? It might
\nsounds unusual, but it is a fact that there are men who stay at
\nhome while their wives work to feed the family.<\/p>\n
\"I decided to become a househusband after I failed to find a
\njob for years,\" Joni, not real name, said.<\/p>\n
\"At the beginning, I was depressed, but now I have accepted
\nthis as reality,\" he added.<\/p>\n
Whatever the reason, househusbands exist. People might frown
\nupon them. But if they can accept the idea that doing household
\nchores and nurturing is respectable, they should be able to
\nrespect househusbands too.<\/p>\n
Working women also have their own problems. Most of them do
\nclerical, secretarial or blue-collar work. Only a few work at
\nmanagerial level. Discrimination against women still prevails.
\nSexual harassment at work can happen at any time. The glass
\nceiling is still there, preventing women from getting to a higher
\nposition, even when they're the best qualified for the job.<\/p>\n
Despite all of the gender-related problems at the work place,
\nthe number of working women is rising. More and more women work.
\nIn Indonesia, the total labor force in 1994 was estimated at 86.3
\nmillion and 36.1 million were women. Some work to achieve self-
\nfulfillment. But many others work for economical reasons.<\/p>\n
According to Wardah, women should have the freedom to choose.
\nPeople should respect the choice of those who want to be full-
\ntime housewives and appreciate their work. But people should also
\nrespect the choice of women who want to work outside the house.
\nHusbands should be willing to share the household chores and
\naccept the reality that like them, their wives might also want to
\nachieve something in their life -- something other than clean
\nsheets.<\/p>\n
Being financially independent will liberate women to a certain
\nextent. But women will never be fully liberated while gender
\ndiscrimination in this patriarchal society remains. (sim)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/sexual-division-of-labor-labeled-oppressing-1447893297",
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