This book was of seminal importance for second wave feminism. Oakley analyses women's roles in ways never done before, opening up the 'blackbox' of the family. This book will make you see women and housewives in a completely different way.Housework is analysed using economic means and assessed alongside other paid employment. Through an economic analysis of the housewife role, Oakley is able to show the housewife role for what it really is - exploitative, alienating, and no better than the lowest of menial tasks.
Motherhood is also addressed. Anyone who doesn't feel how you "are supposed to feel" after having children will appreciate these chapters.
This book will interest any female or male with an interest in gender, and is essential reading for gender studies. This book is also an easy read for those with no accademic background, who are reading purely out of interest. I promise this is better than her fiction!
