The duties of housewives befit all the characteristics of occupation even though their job description is not defined as it happens in organizations. They like other employees of institutions and government encounter occupational hazards such as violence. Thus, they deserve compensation for the work they are doing at home. Although, the compensation exists, it comes mostly in noncash terms. India was considering allocating part husbands pay to their housewives through the ministry of Women and Child Development to make it monetary in nature (Hubley, September 10, 2012). Whether the compensation is noncash or cash, the pay is influenced by factors such as occupational profile, economy and labor force. Although, there is no marketplace for people seeking to become housewives, there are requirements for those seeking this kind of job. These requirements are very subjective making it very difficult for a person to become a housewife. The requirements are set forth by the husband who is seen as a potential employer in this case. In most cases, physical and behavioral characteristics are given more weight over educational background and experience. Husbands stay long with housewives who are committed to marriage, loving, caring, and attractive. Housewives who have these qualities have high chances of retaining their job. A demonstration of the mentioned qualities is often rewarded by noncash benefits such as paid up holiday vacations, presents and gifts and appreciation. Housewives have responsibilities that they must perform on a daily basis. They cook, wash clothes, clean the house and take care of children and husbands. Besides, they also have other sexual responsibilities which they are required to fulfill by virtue of being wives. The non sexual duties are similar to the ones done by employed domestic workers. The only exception is that housewives have discretion of choosing tasks to do (Barbara, 1981). A domestic worker in United States of America earned a medium annual income of between $15, 980 and $ 29, 510 in the year 2010 (Wagner, n.d.). Therefore, in terms of monetary terms, the housewives are worth an annual pay of above $ 40,000 because they do other tasks which cannot be done by maids. This may be reflected on the husbands spending on housewives. The expenditure may include paying for her shopping, medical care and accommodation. Housewives represent a big portion of American society. Therefore, they are one of the greatest sources of labor. Despite being among the highest labor force, their contribution to the economy has not been extensively studied. It is a reality that housewives save families million of dollars that would have been used for child care. These millions of dollars may be invested into the economy by the husbands thus expanding the gross domestic product and creating jobs. However, they too deny government tax by opting to do work that is not taxable. Given that the labor force for this form of occupation is big, the compensation is also small. The job competition is high and the potential employers have more bargaining power. Consequently, husbands singly determine the level of compensation for housewives. There are a number of risks associated with being housewives. These risks can be equated to occupational risks experienced by other employees. Housewives use tools that are often sharp to perform home tasks. Consequently, they are prone to cuts and accidents. Besides, housewives may be physically abused or ejected from their homes by their husbands. Others suffer emotional problems occasioned by their husbands’ behavior. All these risks together with a high chance of divorce are formidable challenges to the job of being a housewife. While other risks such as accident may not be compensated unless there is insurance cover for it, housewives are protected by law from arbitrary divorce and assault. In such cases, the court may order the husband to share his wealth with the divorced wife or pay for the injuries caused.
References
Barbara, P. (1981). Economic risks of being a house wife. AEAP Papers and Proceedings, (72)2, 81-86.
Hubley, J. (2012, September 10). Should Homemakers Get a Salary?. Should Homemakers Get a Salary?. Retrieved November 9, 2013, from http://www.payscale.com/career-news/2012/09/should-homemakers-get-a-salary
Wagner, N. (n.d.). What Is the Average Hourly Wage for Domestic Help?. Work. Retrieved November 9, 2013, from http://work.chron.com/average-hourly-wage-domestic-help-4368.html
