Conflicting roles of women

Dual roles of women

Nature

Girl students and women who have a job outside the home are overwhelmed with the twofold burden of work. Girls who are able to attend school often find the burden of family duties consumes much of their time and energy, so that it is difficult if not impossible to complete even their primary schooling; and a women who must be, or chooses to be, economically active outside the home will in effect perform two jobs: her paid employment and keeping the home. Although in the industrialized countries the amount of housework has decreased, it still constitutes a heavy burden, especially for women who go out to work.

Background

The global significance of conflicting roles of women emerged prominently during the 20th century, as women increasingly entered the workforce while maintaining traditional domestic responsibilities. This dual expectation gained scholarly and policy attention in the 1960s and 1970s, particularly amid feminist movements and demographic shifts. Subsequent international forums, such as the UN World Conferences on Women, further highlighted the pervasive nature of these conflicts, prompting cross-cultural research and policy debates on their social and economic implications.

Incidence

In the former Soviet Union, where female labour represents one-half of the total labour force, seven women out of ten spend more than two hours a day on housework, whereas only three men in ten do this. In Japan the working day of a couple engaged in agricultural occupations is made up as follows: work, 10 hours 46 minutes in the case of the man and 9 hours in the case of the woman; housework, 11 minutes in the case of the man and 4 hours 11 minutes in the case of the woman. In France where the average working week is 45 hours for men and women, a woman engaged in an occupational activity actually works 73 hours a week if she has no children, and 83 hours if she has one or two children.

Claim

The conflicting roles imposed on women—balancing career, family, and societal expectations—are a deeply urgent problem. These pressures undermine women’s well-being, limit their opportunities, and perpetuate gender inequality. Society’s failure to address these contradictions not only stifles women’s potential but also hinders progress for everyone. It is unacceptable to ignore the emotional and practical toll this conflict takes. We must confront and dismantle these unrealistic demands for a truly equitable future.

Counter-claim

To mix the roles of man and woman is hostile to the laws of nature. Driving woman to man's work at the expense of her feminity with which she is naturally provided for a natural purpose in life.