Opinion | Speak Your Mind

Have your say: Should housewives be paid?

Do you think housewives should be paid for the work they do? Join our debate below.

Gulf News
Published: 17:40 March 16, 2013

Image Credit: Rex Features
Picture for illustrative purposes only.

They run the house, manage the chores and build a home. Yet, this is one job they do not get paid for. Financially at least. Should the housewife be paid? Join our debate. These are the statements you can share your views on:

Housewives are entitled to pay.
On a practical level, a family cannot pay housewives because a child does not have the means to pay his or her mother.
Paying housewives promotes a more positive image of stay-at-home mums.
Paying housewives reduces the value of their contribution.

You can agree or disagree with a statement and provide your supporting arguments.

Comments (33)

Added 14:21 March 20, 2013

Housewives are the real home makers and yes they should be paid for the innumerable tasks they do which are mandatory to keep the vehicle of life going. But then question arises how much would you pay them. Any amount would be less for the multiple duties they perform dot on time without fail . They should be paid with respect , recognition , understanding and appreciation. Few kind and appreciative words every day would be enough for these selfless home makers. Also they should be given enough pocket money to spend on themselves so they are always motivated and feel no less than the working ladies. I personally feel being housewife is a full time job in itself.

(Ms.)Madhu Madan, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 13:35 March 19, 2013

commercializing the very concept of ''wife'' will ultimately destroy the very essence of life. More value should be given in enhancing once own partners well being in all aspects of life including social,health etc. No good husband will agree to the very idea of ''rented(commercialized) wife's''.

shareef padne, dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 10:28 March 19, 2013

Even as working women ,we do all the household chores entitiled to homemakers,without being paid in monetary terms.........but find it a joy to do it for the family..........when money comes in the scene the joy of doing it from the heart loses its essence.......because even people at home start feeling so..........probably we would be termed more kind hearted maids if we are paid for our home chores............

EILEEN, DUBAI, United Arab Emirates

Added 09:00 March 19, 2013

Yes, they should be paid for their work at home. But the payment has to be in all forms like Love, Appreciation, Care, Respectable talk, Encouragement and why not if you pay her pocket money to take care of her own interest and spend on herself. Payment should not be in the form of paying her for the job, which nobody can pay to compensate her service. I give my debit card instead and credit card also some time so that she will spend on her needs and i have been enjoying my family with 2 small kids of 5 years and 2 years w/o any complain to date.

Masud, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 11:16 March 18, 2013

This is 21st century.There is no need to pay extra pocket money to housewife.Anything taking place at home will be shared by both husband and wife.Whoever earns ,ultimately the money goes to one account. If both are working each salary will go to separate bank account ,as they can not transfer to one account.If wife is not working that doesn't mean husband should pay pocket money. He is the one who is controlling money.He can give money to her on certain occasions like birth day,wedding anniversary etc:Or for happiness he can give money for buying new dresses or gold ornaments.We should not treat wife only for keeping house neat and cooking daily good meals.Sometimes husband also cook and clean the house.Does it mean wife should give money to husband?Love each other ,money has no value in front of love.

Mr.Thottikamath Balaraman, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 10:54 March 18, 2013

I find it surprising that a larger percentage of people believe women should be paid for the work they do at home. My guess is those saying "yes" are men who sympathise with the huge effort that goes into cooking, cleaning and caring for a family's well being. As a woman, I would for one consider all women, working or not, housewives. Secondly my own opinion is a resounding "No". If we consider the deeper, unsaid teaching given by a mother who works lovingly and selflessly for her family - she is leading by example, giving her daughter a role model, asking her son to lend a hand and gently teaching her husband to appreciate and honour her work. Her efforts not only keep a home clean and functional, the family well-fed and healthy, the children engaged and supervised - she is also the loving glue that keeps the family together: sometimes coaxing an angry child to hug her father, an upset father to talk to his son, apologising to an in-law to keep peace at home. The emotional impact of a woman's actions at home are far-reaching and remain with the family for life. Such priceless contribution cannot, should not be belittled by being monetised. Far better that her family appreciate her work and make her feel loved, give back by occasionally giving her a break and a treat of some down-time and make sure the family rallies around to give her the position she deserves.

Neerja, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 10:38 March 18, 2013

Well I beleive it's not the job, it's the business, the effort she will put the best result in the shape of comfort and peace in home. Regarding about getting paid, never the enterprenuer get paid he/she takes the money by his/her own wish. so whatever the requirement the husband must take for her. thats all.

Mohammad Fayyaz Yakoob, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 21:20 March 17, 2013

It is a mutual understanding of a wife and husband. Money doesn't matter. For a better family life both of them should take the good decision.

Anonymous, Dubai, India

Added 17:35 March 17, 2013

Housewives do work hard and nobody can compete, but regarding the money they should get their jobs at home so that they'll be able earn money from home if they are not able to go out because of their kids.

SJ, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 16:49 March 17, 2013

Husband responsibility is to take care of the wife with all her expenses and needs. We should not confuse and degrade the women working at home. Mothers are creators of new civilization. Father is part of it. Comparing every work for money is not correct. Man has to provide comfort, safety and her requirements as per his social status.

Altaf, Dubai, United Arab Emirates