For the second consecutive day, following comedian Rafael Inclán‘s derogatory remarks about President Claudia Sheinbaum and the pejorative use of the term housewife, the federal president criticized this term’s negative connotation.
The head of the federal Executive emphasized that the work at home carried out by millions of Mexican women is often unrecognized, despite its inherent complexity.
“What I find most regrettable is that the word ‘housewife’ is used in a derogatory manner. No, I am a president, grandmother, mother, and housewife, and I take pride in it. All housewives—meaning women and wives who dedicate themselves to the home—deserve our full recognition.
Read also Comedians react to Rafael Inclán’s controversial statements about Claudia Sheinbaum
“They perform tasks that often go unacknowledged. Every day, they wake up, get the children up, prepare breakfast, feed them, take them to school, return home, start preparing lunch, clean the house, fetch the children from school, come back, feed them, assist with homework, clean the house again, and then take care of their husbands when they return. The cycle continues the next day. It may seem like a minor job, but I invite those who don’t do this work to try handling household chores. “There is a complexity to it.”
In the National Palace, the federal president pointed out that there are women who, in addition to working outside the home, also handle domestic responsibilities, which is referred to as a “double shift.”
He noted that ideally, household tasks should be shared between partners.
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Claudia Sheinbaum Defends the Role of Housewives Amid Controversy
For the second day in a row, Rafael Inclán, a well-known comedian, made derogatory comments against President Claudia Sheinbaum, specifically regarding the use of the term “housewife”. In response, the federal president criticized the pejorative implications of this term, highlighting the invaluable contributions made by millions of Mexican women who handle household responsibilities.
The Significance of Housework in Modern Society
Claudia Sheinbaum articulated that the arduous work at home performed by countless Mexican women often goes unrecognized. Despite the complexities involved, this essential labor is frequently dismissed as minor or insignificant. President Sheinbaum emphasized, “What seems most regrettable is that the word ‘housewife’ is used as something pejorative. I am president, grandmother, mother, and housewife, and I embrace all these roles with pride.”
The Daily Responsibilities of Housewives
In her statement, Sheinbaum outlined a typical day for housewives, illustrating the relentless cycle of tasks they undertake:
- Waking up and preparing breakfast
- Feeding children and taking them to school
- Cooking and cleaning
- Assisting with homework
- Managing household chores
She emphasized, “They engage in work that no one recognizes. Every day, their responsibilities are overlooked.” This acknowledgment is crucial as it brings to light the hard work and dedication of those managing their homes.
The Double Shift: Balancing Work and Home
In addition to the household duties, many women also maintain outside employment, resulting in what is known as the “double shift”. Sheinbaum pointed out that tackling both responsibilities is a challenge many women face. “The ideal situation is for household chores to be shared with their partners,” she asserted, promoting the idea of collaboration in domestic responsibilities.
Public Reactions to Inclán’s Comments
The reaction to Rafael Inclán’s comments has been significant, and the discourse has led to various responses from comedians and public figures. Comedians expressed their outrage at the derogatory remarks, emphasizing the need for respect toward housewives and the work they do.
Many took to social media platforms to voice their opinions, with some defending Inclán’s right to free speech while others highlighted the harm in minimizing the roles of housewives in society.
Benefits of Recognizing the Role of Housewives
1. Valuing Contributions
Recognizing the roles of housewives promotes respect for their work, ensuring that society appreciates the contributions they make daily. Challenging derogatory terms helps foster a culture of recognition.
2. Promoting Gender Equality
By emphasizing shared household duties between partners, families can work towards a more equitable distribution of labor, promoting gender equality both at home and in the workplace.
3. Various Skills Development
Housewives often develop a wide range of skills, from budgeting to cooking, that are essential in managing a household. Recognizing these skills can empower women and promote their potential for personal and professional growth.
Practical Tips for Shared Responsibilities
- Open Communication: Encourage discussions about household responsibilities to ensure that both partners contribute fairly.
- Create a Schedule: Establish a weekly household schedule to clearly allocate tasks between partners.
- Appreciate Each Other’s Efforts: Regularly express gratitude for the work done by both partners to reinforce appreciation.
- Listen to Needs: Understand the pressures both partners face and be willing to adjust responsibilities as needed.
Conclusions Drawn from Sheinbaum’s Stance
Claudia Sheinbaum’s advocacy for housewives has undoubtedly sparked important conversations surrounding the roles of women in society. As she continues to promote respect for household labor, it becomes increasingly clear that the recognition and appreciation of housework are vital in pushing for societal change.
Future Implications for Women in the Workforce
The ongoing dialogue about housewives and their roles has broader implications for women in the workforce. As more women enter or return to the workforce, balancing these dual responsibilities will remain a crucial concern. Addressing these issues publicly is a significant step toward ensuring that the labor of housewives is valued and recognized.
