Family Dynamics

 

So we watched Julia Robert's Homecoming Web series recently which is really an eye opener for those who believe that all government programs destined for citizens are indeed for the betterment of citizens. 

It exposes that there could always be some hidden benefits and motivations attached behind these programs which heavily favors the government in their undertaking and priorities rather than actually caring for the advertised and intended recipient (common citizens). Really a good one and we enjoyed watching this series.

There are many things in this series I like to talk about - but for today - there are few scenes around her partner, where he stays at home cooks for her, waits for her to join the dinner table, goes for a walk alone since she is always busy with work, etc. Basically it's been portrayed that he has been longing for her love and attention while Julia has been busy with her office work. A stark contrast of a husband's description, we think. 

Why? Because by far in our society, our identity is always equated with the work we do. Hence being a man, if you are not doing any "official work", then you don't have an identity. Because doing household work is never considered "work" enough.

Hence a man has always been under the pressure that he has to always associate himself with a "work" that convinces the society. With women fully empowered to participate in work and as they gain workplace seniority and get into the company's board and executive roles, what happens to the family dynamics as the woman of the house starts getting into more powerful roles than the man of the house. 

Historically, women have made that sacrifice of leaving their job and taking care of the family in lieu of letting their man to pursue their work related ambition. To be clear, we are talking about men and women of age group under 40 taking executive roles - during which time normally bringing up a family needs one of the parent's attention.

And more and more companies are indeed seeking Diversity in their Board and executive roles. Infact few days ago, Nasdaq came out with a proposal to require their listed companies to have at least 2 diverse directors including women. 

So going forward, it may actually make sense to promote the woman of the house to pursue these executive level positions, since the probability of achieving the same for women may stand higher.

So will our paternal society accept men taking the role of homemaker or less stressful "work" in such context atleast for a temporary period?