'New Domesticity' Is a Step Backwards for Women

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So many young women don't have the femininity to compete in the marriage market, so they're making a virture out of a necessity and claiming careers as a way to feel that they're contributing. It's nice to feel productive, but these actions aren't really going to change the world or even the economy. Sitting in a cubical complaining about the wage gap isn't the way to live a meaningful life. I wish more young women would embrace their ability to be mothers rather than cold office witch.

Grandma of MO 2:32PM March 20, 2013

How exactly did you come up with the idea that "homeschooling tends to sideline women"? I am a feminist and I homeschool. I don't feel the least bit sidelined. Do you even know any homeschooling families? We are an eclectic, mixed bunch and part of one of the fastest-growing trends in the United States.

Lori of CO 12:08AM October 19, 2012

So many young women don't have the business skills to compete in the dwindling workforce, so they're making a virture out of a necessity and reclaiming domestic arts as a way to feel that they're contributing. It's nice to feel productive, but these actions aren't really going to change the world or even the economy. Selling yarn to each other on Etsy isn't the way to make a fortune. I wish more young women would embrace their inner battle maiden rather than Granny-sit-by-the-fire.

Belinda Gomez of CA 1:02PM September 05, 2012

I beg to differ. Women have fought hard for the choice to pursue what they want. It's the choice whether and when to be domestic that matters. Manipulating young women onto the executive career path by virtue of guilt is just as restricting as the Cult of Domesticity in the 1800's! What value does the feminist movement have if women are discouraged from choosing to be professionals in absolutely every arena?

Sara of MD 9:00AM July 18, 2012

As a 24 year old living in a "domestic partnership" with my boyfriend for two years now I have to disagree with you. I'm am not a woman who has ever wanted to be a stay-at-home mom, nor do I plan on having kids in this decade of my life. I really don't enjoy cooking, I do like baking and crochet, and my cleaning skills are sub-par. Quite honestly my boyfriend would be a better home-maker. But the diy skills and ideas that are being promoted in this movement are not anti-feminism and are also used by men. And during our hard ecomomic times it just makes sense to stretch your dollar and make things you need rather than waste money to buy them. Now, in our society it isn't only women being boxed in, it's everyone. I don't have the money to go to Harvard or the credit to even get loans to go back to school. My options have not been limited by the diy movement, they have been limited by the generation before me with their greed, which I guess would mean you?

Stephanie of FL 3:54PM February 06, 2012

Domesticity, new or old, is no more a step backwards for women than it's a step forward for them.
I seriously wonder if this article was written by a man because its totally patronising tone towards women and what it thinks of as "feminine" or "domestic" pursuits.
What's so wrong about domesticity?
Anyone who thinks that being a housewife, cook, gardener or whatever is automatically a doomat needs to start trying to live in the real world!

Donna Barber 9:54AM December 13, 2011

I don't think you have any right to tell women what should be important to them. If a woman wants to invest herself in home schooling or raising chickens, that is her choice. Those things may not be important to you, but corporate success isn't important to me. To liberate means to set free, not to impose a new set of constraints.

Kelly of PA 2:59PM December 12, 2011

Jamie:
I guess then that you think Martha Stewart should be taken out and flogged for her shameless promotion of all things domestic and frugal?
Yes, you should be ashamed for being so intolerant to viewpoints and life goals that differ from your own narrow focus - the world would be very boring if everyone had exactly the same views on everything.

junior of DC 9:06AM December 07, 2011

Hunter of Wisconsin,
Disappointed to read your harsh words. I follow the comments and try to establish a tone of toleration for all views. Anyway, that hurt my feelings - so I guess that's that.

Jamie Stiehm of DC 1:25AM December 07, 2011