This article explores the societal bias against men taking part-time jobs, highlighting the expectation that women should shoulder the burden of unpaid caregiving.
How can we expect mothers to return to work if we’re so reluctant to allow fathers to stay home? As a bloke, I have been met with disbelief and suspicion when I’ve applied for part-time work. Didn’t I realise this was women’s work? The job I was applying for was three days a week. It was a backwards step, career-wise, but the hours were attractive.
By that I mean that the role’s part-time nature would allow me to I could keep up with all that important driving and shouting that comprises a career as primary caregiver – the constant shuttling from school to ballet to football to dentist and, more generally, the endless forcing of kids to do things that they will really enjoy. I rang HR to discuss flexibility – could I do the role over four days to allow me to do the school pick ups? He mumbled something about the workplace being “family friendly”, but confessed that the woman currently in the position worked “most days until at least 6pm”. Most mums are probably wondering what the news is here. It’s common knowledge in mum networks that companies – and particularly underfunded organisations such as schools – rely on women working over and above their paid and allotted hours in part-time work. Try being a mum and a public school teacher working three days a week. Chances are you’ll still be paying for five days of childcare. My wife and I swapped roles when we moved from Melbourne to Perth, largely because she was the first to find work. As a bloke, I have found myself met with a mixture of disbelief and suspicion when I’ve applied for part-time work. Didn’t I realise this was women’s work? There is a sense that part-time work is an extension of the unpaid caregiving that comes with being a mum. It is little wonder that so-called “feminised” industries tend to be centred around care (early childhood education, health support services, veterinary care and disability home care) and are historically underpai
PART-TIME WORK GENDER STEREOTYPES CARE GIVING FAMILY FRIENDLY WORKPLACE UNPAID LABOR
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Abrahamic angst and aspirationsIf religion is part of the problem, it can also be part of the solution.
Read more »
‘Swimming in Double Bay’: Flash flooding leaves suburb submergedFootage of a storm in Sydney on Sunday captured vehicles ploughing through flooded streets and water lapping at the entrance of shops.
Read more »
Thunderstorm in Sydney Causes Flash Flooding in Double BayThe storm in Sydney led to severe flash flooding in the exclusive suburb of Double Bay, with streets submerged and businesses affected.
Read more »
Thunderstorm in Sydney Causes Severe Flooding in Double BayA severe thunderstorm in Sydney has led to flash flooding in the upscale suburb of Double Bay, with streets being submerged in water. Videos show vehicles navigating through flooded roads and water inundating businesses and public areas, highlighting the unprecedented nature of the rainfall.
Read more »
Claims of double-charging and excessive rent in NSW child protection systemFollowing stinging critiques of NSW’s child protection system, a widespread review found out-of-home care was “not fit for purpose” and lacked accountability and oversight.
Read more »
Extradited Perry Kouroumblis to Face Court for 1977 Double-MurderPerry Kouroumblis, 65, has been extradited from Italy and is set to be interviewed by Victoria Police regarding the 1977 murders of Suzanne Armstrong and Susan Bartlett. He is expected to be charged with two counts of murder and one count of rape when he appears in court.
Read more »