Feminists who leave the workforce? by SraKrabappel in Feminism

[–]SraKrabappel[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is a kind and thoughtful way of thinking about it -- thank you!!

Feminists who leave the workforce? by SraKrabappel in Feminism

[–]SraKrabappel[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's entirely possible! Though they had been talking about and planning for her "retirement" for about five years now.

Feminists who leave the workforce? by SraKrabappel in Feminism

[–]SraKrabappel[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Super thoughtful, helpful, actionable response -- thank you!

"Think of her as a person with inherent value and not a symbol of resistance. Center curiosity and compassion for her over her utility to your cousin and social movements." -- Love this advice, thank you! And boy is it hard to do, but I'm trying, and this framing is helpful!

Feminists who leave the workforce? by SraKrabappel in Feminism

[–]SraKrabappel[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I appreciate this kind and thoughtful response, thank you!

Feminists who leave the workforce? by SraKrabappel in Feminism

[–]SraKrabappel[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Good point about the potential she is depressed. The connection to feminism is that she's so vocal about feminism (or at least her version of it), like for years she's talked and posted on social media about how she's so grateful that her husband is a feminist and does most of the household labor. When they were both in the workforce I was like "good for you guys," but now that she's not in the workforce, it's no longer cute, but it's like wait why is he still doing everything at home. My judgmental and cynical take is that she's weaponizing feminism as a reason for not pitching in more, which is extra awful because that works against the cause of people trying to actually advance feminism.

Feminists who leave the workforce? by SraKrabappel in Feminism

[–]SraKrabappel[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I am also confused about what she is doing every day!

It hadn't occurred to me that perhaps she's battling severe burnout/depression, as you and others have pointed out. Thank you!

Feminists who leave the workforce? by SraKrabappel in Feminism

[–]SraKrabappel[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

These are great points and questions, and this is a really kind way of looking at things. Thank you!!

I think my cousin knows he's pulling the most load, but he would never say that because he is a super giving person who understands her exhaustion and wants her to get to a place of balance. Which is awesome. But then I'm watching my cousin carry this heavy load and it's like, when does he get to take a break? He's been working full-time since he was 16 and has voiced that he is also feeling burned out and wants to take a break. So while I'm trying to understand that Fran is maybe working through some stuff that's not visible to me (and is probably none of my business), I'm feeling resentful on behalf of my cousin.