Review article

SOME CONCEPTUALISATIONS AND MEANINGS OF DOMESTIC LABOUR

Lynette ŠIKIĆ-MIĆANOVIĆ

Abstract

In this article, it is suggested that the definitions and
conceptualisations of domestic labour should emphasise that
it is productive, involving many different types of work and
that it is also about constructing 'proper' and 'appropriate'
gender relations. An overview of studies, mostly from Anglo
Saxon contexts, show that unpaid domestic labour is
persistently segregated by gender and continues to be, in
practice, mainly 'women's work'. The implications, meanings
and consequences of this are outlined as well as a number
of explanations that elucidate why inequitable divisions of
labour within the home are considered to be fair. It is
concluded that the gendered division of domestic labour is
not based on a static agreement between individuals but
rather should be viewed as a way to 'do gender' that also
produces appropriate gender relations. Clearly, these
relations as interpersonal processes in combination with
prevailing discourses (in the media, community, and
government policies) constitute, maintain and enhance a
gendered division of labour within a particular context. Thus,
to avoid generalisations as household tasks convey social
meanings about masculinity and femininity, it is important to
understand that conceptualisations, meanings and values
vary according to historical, socio-cultural contexts such that
a universalising framework is inappropriate.

Keywords

Hrčak ID:

20002

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/20002

Publication date:

31.10.2001.

Article data in other languages: croatian german

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