Domestic Labor
Definition
Domestic labor refers to work done within the home, such as cooking, cleaning, child care, and maintenance. It is often unpaid and performed by family members.
Analogy
Think of domestic labor like the backstage crew in a theater production. They're not always seen or acknowledged, but without them, the show (or household) can't run smoothly.
Related terms
Unpaid Work: This is work that doesn't receive any direct financial compensation. It includes tasks like housework and caring for children or elderly relatives.
Care Economy: This term refers to the sector of the economy related to services such as childcare, elder care, health care, and social services - all of which involve significant amounts of domestic labor.
Gender Roles: These are societal norms dictating what types of behaviors are generally considered acceptable, appropriate or desirable for a person based on their actual or perceived sex. Traditional gender roles often assign domestic labor primarily to women.
"Domestic Labor" appears in:
Resources
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.