Why Women Should Not Do Unpaid Work for their Husbands
In a recent article in The New York Times, an ethicist was asked whether a wife who is also a publisher is under any obligation to edit her husband’s papers for free. The response fell short, suggesting that marriage is not the right forum for challenging the many inequities in academia and society, but did acknowledge that the wife should not feel obligated to provide unpaid labor. This sparked a heated debate among readers, with opinions falling on both sides of the argument. In this article, we explore the deeper implications of this issue and why women should not be expected to do unpaid work for their husbands.
The Problem with Traditional Gender Roles
One of the main issues at play in this situation is the perpetuation of traditional gender roles that place the burden of unpaid labor on women. Throughout history, women have been expected to provide emotional and domestic labor for their husbands and families, with little recognition or compensation for their efforts. Despite significant progress in the feminist movement, these traditional gender roles persist in many spheres of society, including academia.
The Impact on Women’s Careers
One of the main reasons why women should not be expected to provide unpaid labor for their husbands is the negative impact it can have on their careers. Women who are forced to provide unpaid labor for their husbands are essentially subsidizing their careers at the expense of their own. This can put them at a significant disadvantage in their own careers, as they are unable to devote the same amount of time and energy to their own work.
The Impact on Gender Equity in Academia
Another significant issue at play in this situation is the impact on gender equity in academia. Women are already underrepresented in many fields, and their ability to advance in their careers is often hindered by a lack of support and recognition. When women are expected to provide unpaid labor for their husbands, it sends a message to male colleagues and students that this is an acceptable practice. This can perpetuate gender inequity in academia and make it even more difficult for women to succeed.
Possible Solutions
While there is no easy solution to this complex issue, there are several possible solutions that can help address the problem of unpaid labor in marriage. One option is for couples to negotiate a fair division of labor that takes into account both partners’ careers and responsibilities. This can help ensure that neither partner is disproportionately burdened with unpaid labor, and that both partners are able to advance in their careers.
Another option is for institutions to recognize and value the unpaid labor that women (and men) provide in academia. This can include providing resources and support for these activities, as well as creating policies that promote gender equity and discourage the practice of unpaid labor.
Summary
The practice of wives providing unpaid labor for their husbands is a longstanding tradition that persists in many spheres of society, including academia. While an ethicist recently suggested that wives are under no obligation to provide this labor, the issue remains a contentious one that has significant implications for gender equity and women’s careers. By recognizing and addressing the root causes of this issue, we can work towards a more equitable and just society for all.
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In his response, the ethicist noted: “I’m not sure marriage is the right setting to fight the many genuine inequities in the reward system that you’ll find in college and in our society at large. … But she is under no obligation to edit her husband’s papers, and she has come to experience it not as part of a mutually supportive relationship, but as part of a larger pattern of exploitation. So you should feel free to post bail. It’s not really a gift if she makes you clench your teeth.” (Reread the full question and answer here.)
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His response to wife/publisher it makes my blood boil! Women have been subtly (and overtly) coerced into doing this kind of unpaid, supportive work for far too long. She only benefits from her husband’s success if they stay married. Her time, experience, and energy are devoted to supporting her career, and it is very likely that she also does more than half of the household chores. Social pressure to be “good wives” and “partner helpers” has kept women from thriving throughout history. It’s time for that to end. – Ana
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The letter to the ethicist, and his lukewarm response illustrate a much deeper problem with our understanding of marriage. Must a spouse do unpaid work to support the partner he claims to love above all others? In a word, yes, and not counting the cost. This has literally nothing to do with the many injustices in contemporary academia. – James
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The academy has a long history. of male teachers who benefit from and even depend on the unpaid work of their female colleagues. If the person writing the letter needs another reason to stop doing this unpaid work, she considers the message she sends to her husband’s apprentices. Male postdocs are learning that they should expect a partner to do this editing work for them, and female postdocs are learning that they are expected to do this work for free for their partners. —Beth
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Why shouldn’t your name be added? as one of the co-authors? I am a scientist and I agree that the sector is dominated by men. What the letter writer is doing is much needed, but not much appreciated, just as the background support has been over the years. I think adding his name to the co-authors list would provide equivalent compensation and, more importantly, recognition of his efforts. —Maureen
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As a former state university professor, I have witnessed the exploitation of adjunct professors time and time again, and I recognize that we benefited from the fact that they lightened our own teaching workload by pennies on the dollar. With that in mind, I recommend that you do her own work and let her husband do hers. Editing the articles themselves is part of the writing process and therefore part of your job. Yes, working to be a headline is exhausting, but I don’t know anyone who has used an editor. —Greta
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