One of the most interesting points of the reading we did for this Tuesday was the discussion of women's quality of life as part of the progress towards equal rights. Some major things that affect quality of life seem obvious: nourishment, shelter, education, equal opportunities for work and other institutions, but what comes up less often is the topic of leisure time. As women have gained a larger presence in the work force and a greater right to work outside of the home in Western society, this has been seen as a striking blow for the cause of feminism. And I wouldn't contest that point: women joining men in the work force has given us a way to support ourselves and has led to greater dependence as a whole. But that doesn't necessarily mean it's improved our quality of life across the board, especially when it comes to having leisure time outside of the job.

When we discussed the idealized roles for men and women in society, we discussed briefly the idea of the "second shift", and what this means for women. The basis behind this concept, as I see it, is that, as women with families join the workforce, though their workload outside the home has increased, their workload inside the home remains the same. Women who once would have been housewives now have careers and do everything a housewife would have done when it comes to child rearing, keeping a tidy home, and providing food for the family. We've gained more gender balance outside of the home, but this balance has been slower to come in the family environment. This has left women with very little leisure time, and though it's not something often thought of, that definitely decreases quality of life.

While legal measures can be taken to bring gender balance to the work place, the government can't legislate the family dynamic.* In this way, it makes sense that balance has been slower to come for women at home. This has important repercussions on quality of life and should be more widely addressed.

*With some notable exceptions, especially as regards gay marriage and adoption by gay parents, but as far as gender balance goes, I think the point stands.

ETA: I realize I have left absolutely no links scattered throughout this post, so to make up for it, here's a video of some tiger cubs at a zoo in Seattle to brighten your day.