The Case for New Domesticity and the Address of Common Objections
Why New Domesticity?
Domesticity, as noted by the practice of making a home stable and secure, is a task for all individuals to reclaim in order to create a better quality of life. As Jean Zimmerman describes in her book Made from Scratch, “Every person in every circumstance needs a home—a senior citizen as much as a baby in a brood of twelve, couples who may or may not be legally wed, single parent families, roommates, blended families, foster families, and communities of like people under one roof, such as assisted-care facilities” (xiii). In this way, Zimmerman makes clear that domesticity is not relegated to the woman of the house but to anyone seeking “sanctuary and connection” in their home (xiii). In fact, she even goes so far as to mention that even those who feel that domesticity is not practical for them because they a have a non-traditional living arrangement have more to gain from the sense of peace that comes from having an established household (Zimmerman xiii). Domesticity allows individuals to take responsibility for political, economic, and environmental concerns (Matchar 15). For instance, through New Domesticity, citizens can take charge of their own work/life balance, live within their means, know their farmers, and raise their kids according to their own family values. Additionally, domesticity, as a choice, allows a refreshing escape from the angst of the office or monotonous tasks such as sitting in front of a computer. But what about the advancement of feminism, the plight of the poor, and the social responsibly to work towards collective issues? Below are some common contentions and misconceptions against New Domesticity, along with the rebuttals. 1. “Feminists worked hard to provide opportunities for women, so women of today owe it to their sisters to continue the legacy” New Domesticity is not your grandmother’s domesticity. The beauty of post-feminism is that it provides a way for individuals, women in particular, to choose their own definition of success. No longer do they have to be confined to the status of housewives, but they have the freedom to receive advanced education and climb the corporate ladder, if they want to. Women’s choices should be celebrated whether they decide to become a member of the board or a breast feeding mom (Belkin). 2. "Only the rich can afford New Domesticity" As Matchar states, “New Domesticity is the re-embrace of home and hearth by those who have the means to reject these things” (12). The “means” does not only refer to money, but the openness to wander off the beaten path in search of true meaning and/or the willingness to sacrifice some things (like a big house, or fancy vacations) to receive greater things (like growing your own food, or teaching your kids to read). Matchar later explains in Homeward Bound that the very rich are actually less likely to engage in New Domesticity because they have resources to buy their way into flexible work schedules and commodities (nannies, organic foods, etc…) that take the strain off of their busy lives and allow them to continue their work. While the lower class is more constrained due to the higher percentage of single parent families, it is a reasonable possibility that one family member of a middle class family may choose to stay home and care for the family. This action is, of course, not without some measure of financial sacrifice, but the trade-off in the long run could prove invaluable. 3. “Staying in the home does not address the broad social, political, economic, and environmental issues" Many of the greatest social problems (divorce, behavior problems in children, and obesity) start in the home and can only be addressed in the home, with time and effort. Though we should not close our front doors to the larger problems waiting just outside, our first priority should be to help ourselves and family members. Just as in an airplane when passengers are told to put their own oxygen masks on first before attempting to help others, we can’t save the world if we can’t help ourselves and our family members first. In the words of Mother Teresa, “What can you do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family.” Higher Quality of Life Practicing New Domesticity, even as a college student or single individual, offers the chance to both live in and prepare for the quality of life you desire. Believe it or not, you live in a different frame of mind when dinner has been reduced to a ready-made quesadilla you eat from a paper towel in front of the glow of your computer screen. The call here is simple: take time to slow down and give yourself (and those around you, if you have them) a better quality of life. Time is a non-renewable resource. Consider what domesticity can do for you. |
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