With the advent of nuclear families and a scenario where both parents are working, it is necessary that both spouses take equal interest in doing household work.
Now, husbands are playing a more active role to help their wives at home and in taking care of children. DNA highlights views of citizens..
It is a positive change in society and will help children
Due to the fact that many women are working and tight family schedules, more and more men are spending time to nurture their kids and are helping their wives with the housework. Parents have divided their work from simple tasks such as cutting vegetables to the education of children.
The trend is also highlighted by media. Men traditionally felt uncomfortable if they were asked to help in doing housework or were told to do something by women. In order to go out on weekends and enjoy with the family, the entire week’s work has to be shared first.
This involves a lot more responsibility and planning on the part of both men and women. This is a very positive change that has taken place in society. It will help children to become emotionally, mentally and physically stronger.
The stereotypical old scenario where the father is reading the newspaper and the mother is cooking has certainly changed now. The extended family system has also acquired a new meaning with time.
Aparna Thakar, psychologist
Men are now more involved in nurturing kids
Women have to take more responsibility in general. I think in some ways, things have changed in matters like housework. Modern women do not have to work as hard as traditional women but when it comes to children, she is still the first person they to go to. In my family, things were always slightly different as men in my family always took the kids to the doctor when they were sick.
I was also very close to my father and discussed every problem with him, but my two sons feel more comfortable in sharing their problems with me. Modern women have several responsibilities such as taking kids to the doctor, paying bills, maintaining family relationships apart from the 8-9 hour job.
Hence, life has become tougher for working women. The good news for women is they do not have to work as hard in household work as women had to do earlier. When family friends come over, the newly gained financial freedom allows us to have dinner at restaurants or purchase readymade food.
New technology and servants also make the job a lot easier. When it comes to applying for leaves in office, it is a different ball game as women are supposed to take leaves for family reunions or taking care of sick children. Taking leaves can affect promotion for men, hence, it is assumed that women should take them.
I think it is great that men involve themselves more in nurturing children than they used to. Since men express their love for children more openly now, it is easier for children to open up to them and share their problems.
Meera Prabhune, Bank employee
I try to help my wife as much I can
Men should take more responsibility but this still does not happen in most households. I try to help my wife as much as I can at home. I help my daughter get ready for school by preparing breakfast and other routine things.
It is very important change that has taken place as children in future would have a lot more bonding with their fathers. Parents should also spend more time with their kids, which is an increasing need in dual income homes.
The fathers’ involvement in nurturing a child will also help in bringing more positive change in the traditional patriarchal society. It is not difficult for fathers to help out with school homework, picking up kids from schools or simply attending monthly meetings.
Ammolh Rramgade, Businessman
We have to accept changes
Change is the law of nature and we have to accept them to survive. It is this changing pattern that we see in urban nuclear families today. Both partners share the responsibilities of nurturing and caring children.
The attitude that the primary role of husband/father is to earn and wife/mother is to take care of children has changed. When both partners are working, it becomes essential for both of them to look after the needs of children.
I feel that children are more close to their mother and this helps them to develop their personality. But, fathers can play an active role. Fathers should develop patience which is very important when dealing with children.
Salma Aziz, HoD, Sociology, Abeda Inamdar Senior College
Companies should encourage people to work from home
Men take more responsibility than they used to traditionally but in most families, 70% of the housework is still taken care of by women. It is very important for men to share more responsibility as this is not only our duty as life partners but it also ensures a smooth and happy family life.
I teach mathematics and economics to our daughter whereas my wife who is a doctor, teaches biology and other subjects. Since modern life has made dual income households a norm, it is very important for parents to spend more and more time with their children. I think children should talk to both father and mother about all their problems.
Traditionally, children feel more comfortable with their mother. Many couples working in IT companies or BPOs do not want to have children because they do not think it is possible to do so with their work pressures. I think more employees and companies should come together to opt for working from home.
It is possible with the advent of new technology and this is the only right path for the future of families and society in general.
Deepak Rajani, Wholesale pharmacy shop owner
My husband took initiative in doing housework
I think it is true that men share a lot more responsibility in the household these days. I have never told my husband that he should do more housework but he has taken the initiative. We do not make any plans about who should do what. But we both do whatever is needed in the house when we come back from office.
I think it is a great development as children will learn that they should not take the other sex for granted. They will do the housework and share equal responsibility with their wives in future. My Husband and I also both alternatively take leaves from office to attend to children.
Society is changing in general but there are still some traditions that linger on. It is still assumed in general that children are the primary responsibility of women despite they proving their capability in many fields.
Shilpa Pawar, IT professional
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