I read this article by Chetan Bhagat recently: http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-29/all-that-matters/32923106_1_indian-men-new-woman-life-partners. I like the fact that he is recommending Indian men to be open minded while choosing a life partner. However, I have issues with the reasoning:
1. What exactly is wrong with making phulkas for your family? I did that for two years and was perfectly happy. I led a pretty fulfilled life that time full of shopping, meetings over coffee, swimming, freelancing and also making phulkas. I absolutely loved my life and am still nostalgic about it. And believe you me, a woman adept at handling family (read mother-in-law) politics might be more adept in offering advice regarding office politics. Also, during this time I was handling the finance ministry of the household for the simple reason that I had the time to go through the various schemes, mutual funds etc. which a career woman might not. It is wrong to presume that a house wife does only house work and nothing else.
2. The problem is not in making phulkas but in making them after a hard day's work at office. Not everybody can outsource that, Mr Bhagat. So women find themselves with feet in two boats. They not only contribute to the family's financial kitty but also continue to do the work a traditional housewife would with little or no contribution from the husband.
3. Lastly, the problem is not in making phulkas or doing household work. The problem is if your life revolves around it. I strongly believe that whether housewife or career woman, a woman should have some interest outside marriage. Looking after a family is a big and an important job and they should value it. A woman should insist on following her interests and not sacrifice them at the altar of looking after family. A housewife should find some fulfillment away from family. It is critically important for her growth as an individual.
In the end, to each his/her own. A happy and fulfilled woman (whether at home or working!!) will build a happy family which will lead to a happy nation...
1. What exactly is wrong with making phulkas for your family? I did that for two years and was perfectly happy. I led a pretty fulfilled life that time full of shopping, meetings over coffee, swimming, freelancing and also making phulkas. I absolutely loved my life and am still nostalgic about it. And believe you me, a woman adept at handling family (read mother-in-law) politics might be more adept in offering advice regarding office politics. Also, during this time I was handling the finance ministry of the household for the simple reason that I had the time to go through the various schemes, mutual funds etc. which a career woman might not. It is wrong to presume that a house wife does only house work and nothing else.
2. The problem is not in making phulkas but in making them after a hard day's work at office. Not everybody can outsource that, Mr Bhagat. So women find themselves with feet in two boats. They not only contribute to the family's financial kitty but also continue to do the work a traditional housewife would with little or no contribution from the husband.
3. Lastly, the problem is not in making phulkas or doing household work. The problem is if your life revolves around it. I strongly believe that whether housewife or career woman, a woman should have some interest outside marriage. Looking after a family is a big and an important job and they should value it. A woman should insist on following her interests and not sacrifice them at the altar of looking after family. A housewife should find some fulfillment away from family. It is critically important for her growth as an individual.
In the end, to each his/her own. A happy and fulfilled woman (whether at home or working!!) will build a happy family which will lead to a happy nation...
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