I love your point about the traditional household economy, where the wife and children are also participants in the husband’s work. (Or really the family’s work!) The model of wage-earner and housewife — while definitely better than two wage-earners! — is relatively new historically and difficult in many ways. (It is hard to live all day in two separate worlds, for husband and wife.) But of course before the rise of wage labor it was both spouses in a primarily home/family context (even if that involved income beyond subsistence!). The industrialization that made male domestic production economically infeasible (and sent them to work for wages) also changed women’s roles. If you have a floor loom you can weave cloth at home while minding your small children and managing your household, but a factory full of mechanical looms makes that impossible even as it makes cloth infinitely cheaper. But the solution can’t be to abandon the home entirely!
I and many, many of my friends found that the answer lies in not abandoning the home *at all* even if it means being "poor" which of course, in our society, is quite relative.
I want to break through the idea that it's just not possible.
I am curious about your thoughts for young women who aren’t inclined toward a career and hope to get married and raise a family at home—how necessary is a college education for them? Is homeschooling college even a thing? It would be nice if there really was a good “housewife school” for the young woman in this position!
BTW—I say “housewife school” knowing about your substack, which is such a great idea. And we are watching the video from your blog! But, my daughter is struggling with the answer to the question What are you doing now that you have graduated?
I love your point about the traditional household economy, where the wife and children are also participants in the husband’s work. (Or really the family’s work!) The model of wage-earner and housewife — while definitely better than two wage-earners! — is relatively new historically and difficult in many ways. (It is hard to live all day in two separate worlds, for husband and wife.) But of course before the rise of wage labor it was both spouses in a primarily home/family context (even if that involved income beyond subsistence!). The industrialization that made male domestic production economically infeasible (and sent them to work for wages) also changed women’s roles. If you have a floor loom you can weave cloth at home while minding your small children and managing your household, but a factory full of mechanical looms makes that impossible even as it makes cloth infinitely cheaper. But the solution can’t be to abandon the home entirely!
Everything you say is true.
I and many, many of my friends found that the answer lies in not abandoning the home *at all* even if it means being "poor" which of course, in our society, is quite relative.
I want to break through the idea that it's just not possible.
It is possible.
Oh, I agree. I’m just musing aloud. Which I can do because there’s a baby asleep in my arms and I know what’s for dinner!
I am curious about your thoughts for young women who aren’t inclined toward a career and hope to get married and raise a family at home—how necessary is a college education for them? Is homeschooling college even a thing? It would be nice if there really was a good “housewife school” for the young woman in this position!
BTW—I say “housewife school” knowing about your substack, which is such a great idea. And we are watching the video from your blog! But, my daughter is struggling with the answer to the question What are you doing now that you have graduated?
I encourage you to read the whole interview -- I do discuss this issue!
It's important for everyone to get a good education, but a degree does not equal an education.