Let's take a list of tasks:
Vacuuming
Dusting
Cleaning windows/mirrors/glass
Emptying Trash
Minor Repairs
etc
Who do you envision doing these tasks? What does the person look like?
Now let's change the setting.
Does the person look different if these tasks are done at a school or in an office rather than in the home?
This is the question I asked myself at work this week. Through our program, we had placed a number of youth (over the age of 16) at maintenance jobs at various non-profits throughout the city. This year, a lot of those positions were filled by young women rather than young men. When we spoke to these non-profits and let them know who had filled these positions, the most common sentiment was surprise. Huh! We figured it'd be a guy!
And yet, most of the things they're doing would be considered "women's work" in a household. A similar thing occurs with food. Most kitchen staff, be they short-order cooks or personalities on Food Network, tend to be male (except possibly the exception of bakers and the salad station). And yet, when those same activities take place in a household, they are considered traditionally female roles.
So what makes it different? Why are these things considered men's jobs in one setting and women's job's in another?
What's your take?
