In our society there is a economic activity that we all know, that we benefit from it, but rarely recognize its magnitude. I mean the economy of care and housework. According to INEGI, in 2021 domestic and care work, carried out mainly by women, represented 26.3% of the national GDP. However, as a society we still do not recognize that working at home is just that, a job. Not only that, it is a job, in most cases, unpaid.
Throughout history, women have played a crucial role in caring for their families, communities and societies at large. However, this work has been undervalued and relegated to the background. It is time to shed light on the care economy and recognize its vital role in building a sustainable and equal society.
Everything that involves housework
Care work includes a wide range of tasks, from caring for children and the elderly, to performing domestic tasks such as cooking, cleaning and laundry. It also covers emotional care, psychological support and assistance in times of illness or crisis. This work is essential to the well-being and cohesion of our communities, and yet it is often seen as the natural responsibility of women, perpetuating gender stereotypes and inequalities.
In addition to paid care work, women also do a great deal of invisible work. This includes tasks that are essential to the functioning of society, but are not adequately recognized or valued. For example, women are often in charge of organizing and coordinating household and family activities, managing finances, making medical appointments, and carrying out red tape. Often this work is not counted in economic statistics and is not considered a significant contribution to the economy.
Recognize the care economy
The care economy is a fundamental pillar of society. It supports people in their daily lives and allows other economic and social activities to be carried out effectively. However, the lack of recognition and appreciation of this work has significant consequences, both for the women who carry it out and for society as a whole.
When we talk about unpaid housework we find two problems. On the one hand we have those women whose main activity is to take care of the home and the family, they are treated as “non-working mothers”, their transcendental contribution to the home is usually taken for granted and the hard effort they make is not recognized. It is not recognized that #Take Care of Work.
On the other hand, we have the women who do the “double shift”, those who, in addition to having a job, take on household chores. They come home after a long day and still have to take care of ensuring the proper functioning of their home or be judged by society for not fulfilling “their role”.
Adequately assess the double shift of women
It is fundamental to recognize the value of care work and invisible work carried out by women. This implies concrete policies and actions to address gender inequality and redistribute care responsibilities more equitably. This can include establishing paid parental leave policies, access to quality and affordable childcare services, and encouraging greater involvement of men in care work and household chores.
In addition, care work needs to be properly valued and accounted for in economic statistics and in national accounting systems. This will allow for a better understanding of the contribution of care work to the economy and more informed and equitable decision-making.
It’s everyone’s job, not just women.
In conclusion, the care economy and the invisible work of women are essential for the sustainability and well-being of our society. Recognizing and valuing this work is crucial to move towards a more equal, just and sustainable society. It is everyone’s responsibility to work together to achieve gender equality and recognition of the intrinsic value of care work carried out by women. Only then can we build a future in which all people have the opportunity to develop their potential and fully contribute to the progress of our society.
Ximena Arguelles Passionate about the gender struggle and the empowerment of women, from knowledge of entrepreneurship and business strategy to self-love and acceptance.