A homemaker is a person whose prime occupation is to care for their family and/or home; the term is originally an American feminist phrase, but it has entered mainstream English. Finding a term to describe the modern man or woman who has left the paid workforce to care for their family is problematic. The term homemaker is used in preference to either housewife or househusband (a tautology because "house" is derived from one of the Germanic elements of "husband") because it is inclusive, defines the role in terms of activities, rather than relation to another, and is independent of marital status. The terms (informal) stay at home mom and stay at home dad are also used, particularly if the person views their central role as caring for children. All these terms fail to convey the diversity of activities any individual might choose to pursue, such as volunteer work, outdoor activities, education, spirituality, etc.

Traditionally this role has been filled predominantly by women. It is still the case today that in some societies many men and women alike view that a homemaker is the natural and most fulfilling role for women. While there has been a political backlash against "feminist" attacks on traditional roles for women, there are plenty of women who have chosen to leave the workplace who fully respect other women's choice and right to pursue a career. Homemaking is not a lifetime commitment: many women, for economic or personal reasons, return to the workplace.

Feminist critique

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More on [ Homemaker ]

NYT > Home & Garden

Style: Sky Lark
Sat, 05 Jul 2008 06:03:31 -0000
When a family in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, needed more space, there was nowhere to go but up.
Australia in Sonoma
Thu, 03 Jul 2008 15:04:24 -0000
Linda Dodwell, an intrepid motorcyclist, adventurer and artist, built a compound in California that was inspired by her solo ride across the Australian outback.
At Midlife, Called to a New Field
Thu, 03 Jul 2008 02:16:39 -0000
A change in home life, as much as in career, seems to appeal to a new breed of back-to-the-landers: former urban professionals.
Shopping for House Gifts With Simon Doonan
Thu, 03 Jul 2008 02:24:06 -0000
The creative director of Barneys New York shopped for house gifts that would suit the hypothetical characters described in his new book.
In the Garden: Foraging for Berries, the Summer Special on Nature’s Produce Aisle
Thu, 03 Jul 2008 15:02:11 -0000
If you can’t tell the difference between a blueberry and a pokeberry, you need to carefully educate yourself, and periodically refresh the lessons.
The Fix: Power Remedies for Dirty Grout
Thu, 03 Jul 2008 02:28:27 -0000
Some homeowners hide their ugly grout behind shower curtains. Others throw rugs over offensive areas or take to their knees and try to scrub it clean.

L.A. Times - Home & Garden

With vast views and clean lines, a Mulholland Drive remodel takes its owners to a higher plane
Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700
The new Mayberry?
Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700
Venice artists Nancy Evans and Tucker Strasser build up and turn to glass to create a home-studio
Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700
In July, take a rest from planting but keep an eye on the watering
Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700
Grow your own exotic citrus -- pummelos, blood oranges and kaffir limes.
Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700
Doghouses get a green roof with plants that cool the inside
Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Christian Science Monitor | The Home Forum

Redemption
A poem
'Jingle-belling' in China
Chinese students learning English catch the Christmas spirit as they sing carols to college classmates and staff.
Where did that Christmas song come from?
For kids: The stories behind three popular Christmas songs.
Today's Article on Christian Science: 'Meekness will receive him'
A Christian Science perspective on daily life.

Denver Post: Lifestyle

Amache internment camp survivors remember tough times
editor@denverpost.com (By Jordan Dresser / The Denver Post) Fri, 04 Jul 2008 12:55:05 -0600
Standing on a dusty road near the foundations of what were once barracks at the Amache Japanese internment camp, Kumiko Hasegawa begins to make her journey home.
Maybe bidders more generous with a song in their hearts
jadavidson@denverpost.com (By Joanne Davidson / The Denver Post) Thu, 03 Jul 2008 20:10:59 -0600
For everyone who has vowed "never again" after enduring another fundraiser that devolved into a speech-and-live-auction marathon: You should have been at the National Repertory Orchestra's 2008 Summer Gala.
Ask Amy
editor@denverpost.com (By Amy Dickinson / Tribune Media Services) Thu, 03 Jul 2008 20:00:38 -0600
Dear Amy: Another graduation season has come and gone, which means another display of tacky behavior.

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