There is a growing perspective suggesting that women without skills, economic value, or financial independence to contribute to the family are deemed worthless. The common logic among most men revolves around what a woman can bring to the table. These narratives tend to create the impression that financially dependent women contribute less or nothing to a marital union or relationship.
Although a man’s worth has consistently been defined by his economic value or financial status, a woman’s real strength is often perceived to lie in her beauty or appearance, a notion that remains largely unchanged.
In the past, a woman’s beauty was the primary source of attraction and pride, rather than her skills or financial strength. This is evident in the fact that historically, and even today, many men do not consider a woman’s employment necessary. In fact, many men do not permit their wives to work despite their educational qualifications.
The idea that women without jobs or skills are to be despised by men is indeed shallow and superficial. The norm that compels women to seek employment outside their traditional family roles is unnecessary, considering the extensive responsibilities women undertake within the home. If a woman’s contributions to managing the home, providing care, nurturing children, and supporting the family were monetized, she would be among the highest-paid professionals.
The emphasis on a woman’s beauty and appearance has historically made employment outside her traditional caregiving role seem unnecessary. It is often assumed that these domestic responsibilities consume all her time, energy, and attention, leaving no room for additional work without negatively impacting her physical appearance due to stress. Indeed, career women or working-class ladies are well aware of the immense stress and challenges of balancing caregiving, child-rearing, home management, and demanding professional jobs without delegating some responsibilities to hired help.
Moreover, the value placed on a woman’s appearance is evident in the exclusion of women from certain professions, which are deemed unsuitable due to their perceived impact on a woman’s physique. Fields such as sports, engineering, the military, law enforcement, commercial driving, and mechanics are still considered male-dominated. Similarly, careers in farming and architecture are often regarded as men’s jobs.
However, in recent times, there has been a shift in perspective, with many men now prioritizing a woman’s financial status, skills, and economic strength as her real worth.
While the significance of financial independence for women cannot be overstated, and there is increasing advocacy for gender inclusivity in governance and political appointments, it is unhelpful to perpetuate the narrative that women who focus on their traditional caregiving roles lack skills, economic value, or contributions to the family. These roles remain essential for family unity, welfare, comfort, and proper upbringing of children.
The push for women’s financial independence is understandable and necessary. Economic constraints often hinder marital stability, and financial contributions from both partners can reduce pressure within a household. Furthermore, women who rely solely on their husbands for financial support are particularly vulnerable in cases of job loss, divorce, or widowhood. This financial dependency has led to a growing number of widows and divorced women in need of social support. Economic independence provides stability and security for both partners.
However, it must be acknowledged that a woman’s contributions to the family are invaluable and should not be solely measured by her financial earnings. Every woman possesses skills and should not be considered “useless” simply because she does not contribute financially. The responsibilities of pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, child-rearing, caregiving, and household management provide comfort and stability for the entire family. No household remains the same when the mother is frequently absent due to professional obligations. The inconveniences of outsourcing caregiving and home management can disrupt the family’s harmony, leading to adjustments such as preparing meals in bulk or relying on takeout, which may reduce overall well-being.
These challenges highlight why the value of a woman must not be tied solely to financial contributions. Although financial independence provides additional security, it is not a woman’s primary role. Nature has assigned financial provision as a defining responsibility for men, while a woman’s real worth lies in her ability to manage the home and nurture her family. Despite the growing rhetoric questioning women’s contributions, mothers remain the most cherished figures in their children’s lives due to their immeasurable and often invisible contributions to the family’s well-being.
Studies have shown that women take on a greater share of caregiving responsibilities, providing emotional support, nurturing children, and caring for elderly family members. These non-financial contributions are crucial for family stability and well-being. Women also play a key role in managing household tasks such as meal preparation, cleaning, organization, and budgeting. Their ability to maintain a harmonious home environment significantly enhances the overall welfare of the family.
In addition to these responsibilities, women often manage the emotional dynamics within the family, mediating conflicts, offering guidance, and fostering unity. Emotional labor is essential for building strong relationships and maintaining a supportive household. As the sayings go, “A woman’s work is never done,” “The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world,” and “Behind every successful man is a strong woman.” These adages highlight the invaluable and far-reaching impact of women’s contributions to the family.
Research has consistently shown that women’s unpaid labor, including caregiving and household management, significantly benefits the economy and society. If these contributions were financially compensated, they would amount to a substantial economic value. Moreover, studies indicate that women’s emotional labor and relational skills play a crucial role in maintaining family cohesion, positively influencing children’s development, and enhancing overall family satisfaction. These findings underscore the importance of recognizing and appreciating women’s contributions, both within the home and in society at large.
