I find this article polarizing to men and women and contributing female victim mentality - something that we are seeing more and more in the secular world. I find the author's definition of "invisible labor" as not clearly defined and heavily biased towards women. From the context of the article, "invisible" appears to be something that is expected but not openly acknowledged or applauded. The "labor" appears to be mostly home related tasks that are viewed supportive and/or preventative in nature... AKA nurturing: "the process of caring for and encouraging the growth or development of someone or something." The article further suggests that "invisible labor" favors women much, much more than men. I would beg to disagree. I would say that 100% of my labor in the workplace is "invisible labor" based on the above definition. I very much work in support of my supervisor and company. I am acknowledged through my paycheck and benefits; not through public appreciation. I am but a single cog in a great machine. The author of this article is much more publically visible than me... And is a woman at that:) As for work at home, it is very apparent to the ones living there what goes on. The management of family life is personal and obvious, but unless you are the Kardashians, the world will not be aware of what is going on. Personally, I don't care about worldly praise or esteem. And for that reason, I pay tribute to both the MOTHERS and FATHERS for participating in the "invisible labors" of both home-making and paid labor.
AnnMay 21, 2017
As a woman who has shouldered the bulk of the invisible labors in my family I would like to point out the BENEFITS of doing the important mental and emotional labors that are performed. Not just the benefits to society, children, co-workers, etc., but to the person doing the invisible labors. When men (or our boys) are excluded from these tasks, they lose out on the personal growth and skills developed. My husband and I have noticed that he has been stunted in some areas of communication, organization, coordination, and emotional understanding because of his long work hours and reduced involvement with the behind-the-scenes work of the family. I think INVITING men/boys to join women/girls in learning and growing from these tasks is a positive way to approach sharing these burdens and joys.
DianeMay 18, 2017
Matthew 6:4, 3 Nephi 13:4, Matthew 6:3, I Cor 13:5, Luke 15: 31, Matthew 28:5-8, John 20:11-18, John 19:26,27 . . . Women are paid and they are not undervalued, overlooked or invisible to the only One that matters.
MariaMay 16, 2017
I am concerned by the undertone of resentment that I "hear" in these invisible labors listed. I've never been necessarily motivated by recognition or acknowledgement of my visible or invisible labors. I am motivated and feel reinforced by the personal and spiritual growth of my family members. Perphaps because I wasn't seeking recognition or pyment, I felt like i had a husband who was always grateful for my efforts. I remember him kneeling in family prayer and expressing gratitude infront of the children for "Maria being here all day with the dhildren, and please bless and sustain her." I think women should focus on doing those things that bring her joy and let go of those routines and practices that do not bring her joy. That said, I realize some stuff of nurturing and teaching are just hard, but many on the list above are just cultural and Church norms that can be let go without longterm spiritual or behavioral consequence. Women need to learn to ask for help of their husbands for more of the hard practices that they value and which have long-term consequences but which do not bring them personal joy.
MelMay 14, 2017
Amen! Thank you for voicing the words I have never been validated in when I do.
MerriwynMay 11, 2017
Thank you! I absolutely identify with so many of these, and see others happen to other people all the time. It is so important we acknowledge these issues so we can move forward and truly value and acknowledge everyone's contributions equally :)
It's also important to note that relationship maintenance and the teaching of children are pretty high priorities to God, so we really need to acknowledge their importance openly so we can focus on developing these skills and values equally in all people to become more Christlike.
Ruellen Forsyth-NicholsonMay 10, 2017
Good points, well expressed. My opinion is that these types of work are definitely performed by both genders, and ignored by both genders too. Our challenge is to be more observant of, and more grateful for, efforts that are easily overlooked, no matter who is doing them.
LaurieMay 10, 2017
I identify with a lot of these invisible labors and have felt many of them in different stages of my life. I agree that acknowledging and having help with the labors are important. I have also learned for myself to "let go" of some of the tasks or expectations. I am learning that if I feel resentful, I am often feeding a false mental distortion of what "has to be done". Many times it doesn't have to happen at all, or it can be a much simpler version of what I am imagining. Or, I am not making sure to take care of my own body before trying to give endlessly to others. I am working on letting go of the emotional energy I hold onto for what I imagine people are thinking about how I dress, parent, house keep, etc. Also, I am trying to teach myself to be okay with what my husband and children do to help. For instance: After chores, is the house not as clean as I like? Well, I can see it as a teaching opportunity or I can let it go for today. I don't "have" to redo it myself. Anyway, my main point is that we can also challenge our own internal perception of what invisible labors really have to happen at all. Thanks for bringing up important topics!
Comments | Return to Story
JoshuaMay 22, 2017
I find this article polarizing to men and women and contributing female victim mentality - something that we are seeing more and more in the secular world. I find the author's definition of "invisible labor" as not clearly defined and heavily biased towards women. From the context of the article, "invisible" appears to be something that is expected but not openly acknowledged or applauded. The "labor" appears to be mostly home related tasks that are viewed supportive and/or preventative in nature... AKA nurturing: "the process of caring for and encouraging the growth or development of someone or something." The article further suggests that "invisible labor" favors women much, much more than men. I would beg to disagree. I would say that 100% of my labor in the workplace is "invisible labor" based on the above definition. I very much work in support of my supervisor and company. I am acknowledged through my paycheck and benefits; not through public appreciation. I am but a single cog in a great machine. The author of this article is much more publically visible than me... And is a woman at that:) As for work at home, it is very apparent to the ones living there what goes on. The management of family life is personal and obvious, but unless you are the Kardashians, the world will not be aware of what is going on. Personally, I don't care about worldly praise or esteem. And for that reason, I pay tribute to both the MOTHERS and FATHERS for participating in the "invisible labors" of both home-making and paid labor.
AnnMay 21, 2017
As a woman who has shouldered the bulk of the invisible labors in my family I would like to point out the BENEFITS of doing the important mental and emotional labors that are performed. Not just the benefits to society, children, co-workers, etc., but to the person doing the invisible labors. When men (or our boys) are excluded from these tasks, they lose out on the personal growth and skills developed. My husband and I have noticed that he has been stunted in some areas of communication, organization, coordination, and emotional understanding because of his long work hours and reduced involvement with the behind-the-scenes work of the family. I think INVITING men/boys to join women/girls in learning and growing from these tasks is a positive way to approach sharing these burdens and joys.
DianeMay 18, 2017
Matthew 6:4, 3 Nephi 13:4, Matthew 6:3, I Cor 13:5, Luke 15: 31, Matthew 28:5-8, John 20:11-18, John 19:26,27 . . . Women are paid and they are not undervalued, overlooked or invisible to the only One that matters.
MariaMay 16, 2017
I am concerned by the undertone of resentment that I "hear" in these invisible labors listed. I've never been necessarily motivated by recognition or acknowledgement of my visible or invisible labors. I am motivated and feel reinforced by the personal and spiritual growth of my family members. Perphaps because I wasn't seeking recognition or pyment, I felt like i had a husband who was always grateful for my efforts. I remember him kneeling in family prayer and expressing gratitude infront of the children for "Maria being here all day with the dhildren, and please bless and sustain her." I think women should focus on doing those things that bring her joy and let go of those routines and practices that do not bring her joy. That said, I realize some stuff of nurturing and teaching are just hard, but many on the list above are just cultural and Church norms that can be let go without longterm spiritual or behavioral consequence. Women need to learn to ask for help of their husbands for more of the hard practices that they value and which have long-term consequences but which do not bring them personal joy.
MelMay 14, 2017
Amen! Thank you for voicing the words I have never been validated in when I do.
MerriwynMay 11, 2017
Thank you! I absolutely identify with so many of these, and see others happen to other people all the time. It is so important we acknowledge these issues so we can move forward and truly value and acknowledge everyone's contributions equally :) It's also important to note that relationship maintenance and the teaching of children are pretty high priorities to God, so we really need to acknowledge their importance openly so we can focus on developing these skills and values equally in all people to become more Christlike.
Ruellen Forsyth-NicholsonMay 10, 2017
Good points, well expressed. My opinion is that these types of work are definitely performed by both genders, and ignored by both genders too. Our challenge is to be more observant of, and more grateful for, efforts that are easily overlooked, no matter who is doing them.
LaurieMay 10, 2017
I identify with a lot of these invisible labors and have felt many of them in different stages of my life. I agree that acknowledging and having help with the labors are important. I have also learned for myself to "let go" of some of the tasks or expectations. I am learning that if I feel resentful, I am often feeding a false mental distortion of what "has to be done". Many times it doesn't have to happen at all, or it can be a much simpler version of what I am imagining. Or, I am not making sure to take care of my own body before trying to give endlessly to others. I am working on letting go of the emotional energy I hold onto for what I imagine people are thinking about how I dress, parent, house keep, etc. Also, I am trying to teach myself to be okay with what my husband and children do to help. For instance: After chores, is the house not as clean as I like? Well, I can see it as a teaching opportunity or I can let it go for today. I don't "have" to redo it myself. Anyway, my main point is that we can also challenge our own internal perception of what invisible labors really have to happen at all. Thanks for bringing up important topics!
ADD A COMMENT