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