Why I was Ashamed to Be a Housewife

After hearing the name, June Cleaver, what comes to mind? Theories of domestic oppression, lack of work ethics and discontent come to mind. Present critics of the 1950's "Leave it to Beaver" television show deemed to be outraged with statements that a housewife can not keep two children, have clean dishes and a homemade meal on the table each night. Does the show demonstrate clear deception and present a faulty image of the true family?

Why is it so impossible to think that a housewife does not have to be oppressed and discontent working for the family? Must a person receive happiness only outside the house working long hours away from the family? In my opinion, I am living a 1950's conservative, patriarchal lifestyle in the modern world and feel not an ounce of discontent. My daily life consists of making three meals a day to nutritionally supply my family with food supplements, cleaning the household, gardening and working as a freelancer. Do I believe this will have an adverse effect on my children, absolutely not!

To begin with, millions of people around the world work from home while still caring for the family. Women in Europe and across Asia still hold to the fact that they can have a career and still be loving housewives. It is also not outrageous to promote this type of lifestyle, not even for a "househusband". Working at home is hard work, for the most part it is unyielding however not brutal. A few hours a day, I complete domestic work while taking another few working as a freelancer to complete all the work that needs to be done.

Cooking is one of my passions; therefore why not incorporate my hobby into my daily life. To supply not only myself but also my family with meals full of preservatives and unhealthy ingredients does not sounds out of reason to me. Since I have started cooking full-time, my family has increased energy levels, my husband comes home in a good mood and we have lost some weight in the whole process.

In addition, since I prepare the meals at home and cook while everyone is away, we have more free-time to spend with each other every night. Growing up in a household of two working parents, my entire childhood was full of running around trying to complete daily household tasks before the next day was to start. It did not leave much time for the family during the week, only on weekends. Sure, I know that my parents were working towards a better lifestyle for myself and sister however it would have been nice to be able to have more time with the family. A childhood is only so long and it goes so fast - take advantage of it.

Although this sort of lifestyle works for my family, I am not suggesting that each family have a family member quit his/her outside job. It is important to make it clear that being a housewife does not always mean oppression and depression though- for some it is a healthier lifestyle full of benefits. Therefore, one should not take the common perception that a stay-at-home wife or housewife is a bad thing. After quitting my job (at the fault of a sleazy employer) I was ashamed. It is more shameful though to think that a housewife career is anything but important. Not only do I have respect for my hard work, my husband appreciates and respects my hard work even more. To raise a happy, healthy family is more work than an outside job will ever require. It is a 24/7 position that never ends however reaps of benefits not only for the family but for oneself. When a person answers that they are a housewife, you should give them a high five instead of a mocking grimace.