So Why Do Women Work?

This is a question that I have been grappling with for about a year, but it’s really started to needle me for the past 3-4 weeks. What is the motivation that a woman has to work versus a man?

I asked my friends and family this question and eavesdropped in to some conversations. The answers were interesting.

Why do men work?

The answer is unanimous it’s because they have responsibilities to fulfill and be the main bread-earners for their families. I agree most men need to take on that role, and they usually do so willingly. But is that their motivation??? Ambition, money, power, fame and name, peer and family pressure, social norms, and the desire to create something. All of these factors play a role for men to work. After all, just think about it - if a man doesn’t work or support his family, he’s usually termed a loser. And in many situations, these men turn towards alcohol or drugs and/or aggression and crime to deal (or rather inability to deal) with how the world views them.

And why do women work?

Hmmm! the answers generated mixed feelings for me. Many women said they worked to be financially independent, or support their families. In certain cases, it was family pressure that forced them to work. Also the economics of living in a metro today on one income just isn’t enough, so again it becomes imperative for a woman to take on a role that she may not always be willing to take on. So let’s say finances and economics are a major reason why women choose to work.

But suppose, you were financially secure, then why would you work? You could very easily spend your life chilling and having a good time, right? Well again, some women choose to work because they are ambitious and pretty much compete neck to neck with men. Gender is immaterial in this case. I relate to this - initially, I was working for my own financial independence and career. I still am ambitious and want to create my career, but now I also have a strong desire to make an impact on people’s lives in a positive manner. Therefore, I now run a non-profit. I like that feeling when I see an improvement in another person’s life because of my actions and ability to make something happen. I wish I was getting paid a lot for it, but I don’t. And frankly, I don’t miss it right now. Secondly, I also define success differently now having a good work-life balance is important! For me personally, working is as important as having time to devote to my personal life. Fortunately, I have the ability to make this happen for myself now that I no longer have to work to ensure my financial security.

Yet another reason why women work is to pass time. Hmmm…now this one scares me a little. Well scare is the wrong word, but I just don’t like the idea of anyone doing anything under the sun just to kill time! Why not do something because you want to, because you enjoy doing what you do, or because you want to contribute to a greater good? Killing time..isn’t that an awful waste of talent, because then I really wonder what would be the quality of work that comes out. Lastly, I would find it a little degrading if someone tells me that my work is just passing time, wouldn’t you? After all no matter what you do, I think it’s important for everyone to feel like they are making a contribution to someone/something.

Men are never told that they are passing time, then why are women told this and what is more scary is, why do some women feel this way? We see movies like Chak De India and Rang De Basanti - we get inspired by them to do something, create something, and build something. If that responsibility lies on each one of us, and therefore, for us to actually see and make a difference, we need to be doing much more than just passing time, don’t you think?

Update:

While driving home from work yesterday, I heard (on the radio) another reason why women work - to avoid doing chores at home!!

• Culture, Guest Post, India, New Age Thinking, Random Thoughts, Women
• Share This
• Leave a comment