Domesticity

[irmamar]

I don't like this word at all. Dealing with the WWII, my book says:

Women were paid lower wages than men, since they were expected to return to domesticity once the war was over.

That sounds like if women were animals.

May I say: "they were expected to return home/their homes once the war was over"?

Thanks.

[Perikles]

Originally Posted by irmamar

I don't like this word at all. Dealing with the WWII, my book says:

Women were paid lower wages than men, since they were expected to return to domesticity once the war was over.

That sounds like if women were animals.

May I say: "they were expected to return home/their homes once the war was over"?

Thanks.

No you can't. You could say it, but it ruins the intended meaning. In English, it does not sound that bad, but it does have the overtone of male domination which would be appropriate and intentionally meant for the mentality of the time.

You can't alter the meaning just because you don't like the concept. You are displaying an emotional response. (I'd better stop there.)

[irmamar]

Originally Posted by Perikles

No you can't. You could say it, but it ruins the intended meaning. In English, it does not sound that bad, but it does have the overtone of male domination which would be appropriate and intentionally meant for the mentality of the time.

You can't alter the meaning just because you don't like the concept. You are displaying an emotional response. (I'd better stop there.)

But this word used nowadays sound like if that male domination would still be present.

Of course I'm displaying an emotional response, because if I have this question in the exam, I wouldn't like to say "domesticity".

I forgive you because you are you.

[Perikles]

Originally Posted by irmamar

But this word used nowadays sound like if that male domination would still be present.

No it does not. It is a concept which is understood today as being the kind of thing approved of at that time. There is also the overtone that it is nowadays outdated.

Originally Posted by irmamar

Of course I'm displaying an emotional response, because if I have this question in the exam, I wouldn't like to say "domesticity".

Tough. You must still use the word.

By the way, I have just asked Janet, and she agrees with what I say. End of discussion (she always gets the last word).

Originally Posted by irmamar

I forgive you because you are you.

Well thank you so much.

[irmamar]

Well, then "domesticity"... But I don't like this word yet.

Thanks.

[Perikles]

Originally Posted by irmamar

Well, then "domesticity"... But I don't like this word yet.

I just said Janet gets the last word, not you.

[irmamar]

Originally Posted by Perikles

I just said Janet gets the last word, not you.

[poli]

You can use : women were expected to return to their roles as housewives after the war.
or: to give up their temporary work and return to domestic duties after the war.

I like the third choice, because domestic duties are essential. It's a bit old fashioned, but I think many middle class women would prefer domestic
duties without other employment during their child-rearing years.

[Perikles]

Originally Posted by poli

You can use : women were expected to return to their roles as housewives after the war.
or: to give up their temporary work and return to domestic duties after the war..

Yes, you could use these, but I've been trying to convince @Irma that any other expression would alter the sense that domesticity conveys.

A role as housewife is does not have the same overtone of subordination which @Irma dislikes (I can't think why ) but which is an accurate description of the mentality in those days)

[pjt33]

Originally Posted by irmamar

That sounds like if women were animals.

Animals aren't domestic in the same way

[Perikles]

Originally Posted by pjt33

Animals aren't domestic in the same way

That's very true - they can't make breakfast.

[poli]

Originally Posted by pjt33

Animals aren't domestic in the same way

Not now but in other centuries the cow provides the milk, the pig provided the meat, the wife provided the ...etc etc

[irmamar]

Originally Posted by poli

Not now but in other centuries the cow provides the milk, the pig provided the meat, the wife provided the ...etc etc

Sometimes it is like this still nowadays.

[poli]

Yes, but now there are more options at least in the Western World.