Housewife Vs. Homemaker... (Which one are you?)
Journeying back to the early days of 2020, many of us were required to stay at home. A term started being thrown around. It wasn’t a new word or term but was one that wasn’t used as much in modern households.
That term is homemaker.
It seems to be that since more people were spending time at home, and having to manage most of the duties of their home, the importance of the homemaker was never more important.
You may be new to the concept, or the word altogether. And I bet you are thinking, “Which one am I”?
HOUSEWIFE OR HOMEMAKER WHICH IS CORRECT?
I personally think of myself as both, a housewife, and a homemaker. Let me explain to you the reasons why.
To me, a housewife is a married woman who chooses to remain at home rather than go out to work. Her primary responsibility is running her home. She aspires to be a wise steward of her home in addition to being a caring wife Every marriage could display this differently.
However, a person who holds the 'housewife' title, will often look at Housewifery as a duty.
Whether or not she works outside the home, I envision a homemaker as someone who aspires to turn her house into a home for her family. She believes it is her duty to give her partner and children a cozy and secure environment. Naturally, she wants to keep it tidy, but more importantly, she wants to keep it warm and inviting.
Homemaking rather is often something that people feel called to. And therefore we are seeing more and more modern homes move farther away from this traditional way of living.
HOMEMAKING ACTIVITIES
Now that you have the homemaker meaning, you may want to next take a look at what activities are involved in both roles before you start establishing if you are a housewife or homemaker.
First of all, you may find both roles can overlap. However, you can of course be a homemaker without being a housewife. You can be a homemaker without being in a relationship at all. In fact, I highly encourage it this, as brushing up on your homemaking skills before you are in a relationship ( or with children ) will really give you a head start on establishing this new skill set.
Here is a short list of homemaker activities that you may find yourself doing on a day-to-day basis. However, this is a nonexhaustive list.
Errands and appointments: The Homemaker is responsible for making and keeping appointments as needed. You can be asked to set up house repairs and all car maintenance as necessary. When necessary, the Homemaker may assign some of these tasks to older kids or a spouse.
Cleaning - Cleaning responsibilities may involve washing dishes, cleaning bathrooms, vacuuming, and dusting, windows, and floors. You may also be required to take care of the grass from time to time. When necessary, the Homemaker may assign some of these tasks to older kids or a spouse.
Childcare/Adult care - If the household has kids, the homemaker's job is to supervise all of the kids' activities and schoolwork assignments while serving as their primary caretaker. When necessary, the Homemaker may assign some of these tasks to older kids or a spouse. It could occasionally be necessary to help elderly family members.
Food Preparation - The in-charge Homemaker is in charge of preparing all meals, lunches, and gatherings for the family. Budget-conscious shopping and preparation are expected. It will be necessary to store all food, preserve it, and do some small gardening. When necessary, the Homemaker may assign some of these tasks to older kids or a spouse.
These are just some of the homemaking basics that will keep you busy throughout your day as a homemaker.
Let me know in the comments if you would like some more homemaker tips in another post.
TRADITIONAL HOUSEWIFE DUTIES
I don’t believe we need to cover modern housewife duties here, as the modern housewife typically does what she pleases. However, what do those who aspire to have a more traditionally inclined home do?
Let’s chat about some of the duties you will need to look after if you are looking at establishing yourself as a housewife.
Many people think of housewives as the stereotypical Stepford Wife. However, there are many women that are proud to be housewives in 2022 and are determined to show what this new era of Stepford looks like.
I think first and foremost, it is important to get whatever idea that you have of a housewife in your head, out of your head.
Of course, there are many lovely ladies that will want to don their favorite dresses and clean the house in their high heels. But there are also women out there, who wear their housewife title, that do not do this. And they are just as much of a ‘housewife’ as another housewife.
Who wouldn't want to be lavished with care and attention? In a loving, giving marriage, not in a lazy or demanding manner. I enjoy being protected and taken care of, which is why I enjoy being a traditional housewife.
Here is a short list of house activities that you may find yourself doing on a day-to-day basis. However, this is a nonexhaustive list.
Maintain our home's cleanliness and functionality.
Meticulously research to shop & find the best offer, fix clothes, and practice economical living.
Have food on the table at all meal times. This helps the home run harmoniously and all other parties can get out the door to school or work in an efficient manner. Equally, this allows them to come home after a long day and re-charge to do it all again the following day.
Manage the finances to ensure the house is running smoothly.
As I mentioned above, you will see some overlap between both of the roles. And you may even find yourself leaning more towards one than the other.
Here is the thing that I love the most about the world that we are currently living in ( at least on this topic ). You can love a traditional life, and still pick the parts that work for you, and don’t work for you.
In our household, I am taking care of over 90% of the household duties, but there are a few that land in that 10% that my husband graciously handles as my stomach is not strong enough for it.
You can live traditionally, and not feel like you are a slave, oppressed, or like you cannot have a ‘say’.
Whether you choose to be a housewife or homemaker, the choice should be a celebrated.
Tell me which one you are in the comments.
