It's About Time We Stop Treating Stay-At-Home Moms As Slaves To The Patriarchy | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

It's About Time We Stop Treating Stay-At-Home Moms As Slaves To The Patriarchy

With all this talk of empowering women, it's about time we get rid of the stigma that surrounds moms choosing to stay at home with their kids.

1158
It's About Time We Stop Treating Stay-At-Home Moms As Slaves To The Patriarchy
Photo by Aditya Romansa on Unsplash

This is in response to an article written on Forbes based on research published by Pew Research Center, but my frustration is borne out of a long-standing cultural issue. The study stated an increase in stay-at-home moms in the Millennial generation. My problem was not with the data but rather with the way in which it was presented in the Forbes article.

Underlying the whole article seems to be this assumption that there's no way Millennial women could possibly be choosing to just be a stay-at-home mom. There must be some other outlet for them, another employment or career outside of motherhood.

The article discusses the moms who are choosing to work outside of the home while balancing being a stay-at-home mom, which is great! However, they do so in a way that demeans those who would rather choose to stay at home completely.

One sentence, discussing the SAHM's who work as well, reads, "Women are mothers in the home, but in a way that the patriarchy never dared dream."

But wait. Remind me, when did being a stay-at-home mom become equivalent to bowing before the overpowering male patriarchy?

These women are shaping the next generation of leaders, writers, employees, teachers and parents. Why are we stuck on labeling them as slaves to the patriarchy for working a full-time job of incalculable value and worth?

Another line discussing moms working online and staying home says, "Technology's evolution allows modern women the empowerment of joining tradition with innovation."

We talk about empowering women all the time, in everything they do. So why don't we allow women the empowerment, not only "of joining tradition with innovation," but of choosing tradition over innovation if that's what they want?

With all this talk of empowering women, it's about time we get rid of the stigma that surrounds moms choosing to stay at home with their kids. I can't understand what is "not enough" about a job that takes up your physical, mental and emotional stamina 24/7 all year long.

Being a mom is hard, stay-at-home or not. It's hard enough without the cultural commentary of stay-at-home moms being weak vessels propagating the cursed patriarchy, not living up to their full potential and never being enough.

There. That's been on my chest for a while.

And to my (stay-at-home) Mom, your work has been of more worth to me than I think you'll ever know. I hope you never believe a word of the lies society throws at you. You have been and always will be more than enough for me.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

284
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

15177
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

3078
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments