Although we live in a time when awareness of gender inequality is relatively high, the contributions of homemakers to the economy are often overlooked. Women who juggle home and work responsibilities also walk a daily tightrope. More flexible working conditions for mothers will certainly help to boost the Malaysian economy.
TWO-THIRDS OF economic wealth is generated by human capital; and the catalyst in this staggering equation lies in the process of parenting. More interesting, a clear divide exists in terms of the expectations of fatherly and motherly duties.
Traditionally, men provided financial support and women were the primary caregivers and nurturers, tasked with managing household demands and meeting children’s needs. This is especially apparent in Asia, where these duties extend beyond the nuclear family to include caring for the older generation of parents and in-laws. Women also tended to get married early and were defined by their marriages.
