The Coronavirus is deadly, and countries are trying hard to fight against it. The World Health Organization has declared it a pandemic, and extreme measures are needed to save human lives. To combat this outrageous expansion, we all need to stay together by staying at home. Considering the current scenario, “Divided, we are safe and united us will be spreading this virus-like anything.”
To lower the impact of this pandemic virus, the government of India has taken several measures. The nationwide lockdown has reflected mixed reactions from the people. However, it has brought some positive change in society, as people at homes display an inclination towards changing gender roles. No matter if both the partners in the family are working, the more significant part of housework comes under women as men happen to be prime earners for the family.
A Patriarchy Driven Society
The patriarchy does not allow equal sharing of household work. And as a result of lack of domestic help, the burden of various house chores, including cleaning, teaching kids, babysitting, and washing clothes, has increased.
Due to this, women at home are going through mental and physical stress throughout the day (as homemaking is a 24 hours job).
Moreover, they manage other responsibilities like preparing additional meals as most of the family members are staying at home only. It means ladies in the house are working double shifts, and we do not expect men to do mopping and dishes.
Increase In Number Of Fights In The Family
As women are spending the whole day serving the family, it is excruciating to see men staying lazy or playing games while their partners struggle with other house tasks. This disparity at home is leading to fights, psychological, violence, and domestic abuse.
Women are home to spend more time with kids and other house activities in comparison to men. Most of the men maintain an ideal employee image with employers but with zero responsibility at home. It has become difficult for both genders during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Need To Switch Roles
As a result of the Corona outbreak, it has become challenging for females to cope with the environment at home. Some men have started to feel for the women and are revolting against the patriarchy. They are now helping their partners in household chores.
Other men should learn from them and support their partners. The novel Coronavirus has inculcated the belief for equality in both the genders and an indication to prepare for switching gender roles.
How To Initiate Switching Gender Roles?
People should have an honest discussion with their partners about their relation, mental and emotional stress, kids, and assign house tasks to every family member. It will not only increase the family bonding but will make the woman in the house feel more connected with family.
We need to understand that work should not be gender-based; instead, we should ensure females’ equality. Lounging on the couch and ordering delicious food must have made you feel good, but it is women’s right to feel the same way.
Conclusion
We are living in a patriarchal society that makes women feel miserable all the time. But we must put a stop to this. To do this, we men must take a step ahead, start taking affirmative action favouring gender equality. Let us challenge the prevailing social norms by changing gender roles and sharing the workload happily.