h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

If this was written for a woman it would be sexist - having to cook and provide for the 'worker', clean and look after the kids alone while the worker sits around recovering from the day. Because it's about a man it's patronising (and still sexist in a way).
This entry makes it seem normal for one person to be fully responsible for the home, and one for bringing in the money. It's old-fashioned and insulting.

I'd agree with that

This argument was discussed in the PR thread. The consensus was that this entry couldn't help but be open to allegations of 'sexism', but nevertheless that these allegations were misplaced - offence has been taken where none is meant.

IMHO this entry raises the important genuine gender differences that make being a househusband more difficult than being a housewife, as well as offering some general good parenting advice

As far as the stereotype of wage-earner and house-bound partner I believe this entry doesn't say it *ought* to be this way, but reflects the fact that it still *is* this way for many couples - that is why it is a stereotype.

Pimms
Good entry SBE

But do you not see that it's written that way to tell men to stop being so silly about role reversal? There are still men who would consider not being the main wage-earner as being demeaning, and this entry sets out to show them that there's a lot more to running a home than watching telly and doing a bit of cleaning.

I still think it is insulting - are men really so ignorant that they don't know the basics of running a house?

A lot of them are unfortunately yes! my dad wouldn't even wipe our noses,i now pushng 60..and has not once in his life cooked a meal,or even washed his own hair! I've not even seen him make my mum a cup of tea..its a miracle my brother turned out the star at home he did!

Crikey! My dad and other male relatives have always been able to help around the house - in fact, my dad had to tell my sister what setting the washing machine goes on! My grandad, who came from the 'old school' was always helping my granny around the house and didn't think anything of it.

I know.. my granpapa did pretty much everything at home when my nana worked and then later once she was disabled (had MS)..my english grandparents of the same generation were totally different!My mum still says I'm mad to expect a man to as much as change his own socks..i'll be lonely apparently

You think it's maybe a cultural thing then?

Maybe it's had an influence
Still they're not all bad eh..as I said our Steve is a real Gem..and I had to be shown how to roast a potato the other weekend haven't managed to get him to cook for me yet though..but give me time

I won't have to train EV all that much either, he does a great cup of tea and a mean stir fry

My husband was a househusband for quite some time when our son was in junior high school. He couldn't find a job, I was working full time, with an hour commute. He took over the running of the house, where before it had all been shared, and did an excellent job. He'd see The Kid off to school, and have a hot bowl of soup and a sandwich ready at lunch time, he kept on top of the housework, grocery shopping, and when I got home, there was a hot coffee at my place at the kitchen table, and supper was minutes away. I set the table, served, and we sat down to a well-prepared, often creative meal. The Kid was at an age where it was just better that his Dad, actually stepfather, could spend more time with him, and they've remained close. The only small problem we had was it took The Kid awhile to adjust to Dad being in charge. He'd ask me for permission to do something the next afternoon after school, and I'd just say "Don't ask me, that's when Dad's in charge". All in all, it worked out wonderfully for us. The Kid got close to his dad, The Husband discovered a flair for cooking and baking, and still loves to "rattle the pots and pans", and is a far more organized person than I am! He needed some lessons, of course, beginning with what saute means, and he never would tackle the laundry, and still can't fold clothes, but having that chore to do on the weekend was a small price to pay for the advantages I got with him in charge. When I went to work with a sandwich with home-made bread I was the envy of my work friends!

I don't think i'd cope with one that needed house training..I still need a bit myself

home made bread?

That's one of the nicest smells around, isn't it? Mmm... freshly-baked bread...

I used to live round the corner from a 24 hour bakery and when we stumbled in from the pub instead of getting chips we'd go round the bakery for cakes and olive bread

I would like to add my voice to those who appreciate this wonderful entry. We can argue all day about whether there should be such things as housewives and househusbands, but we can't argue that they exist. And since they do, it makes sense to have a practical guide for those men in the role who for cultural reasons didn't expect to be there.

This is really the sort of thing the Guide excels at. Good job.

I'm with you on that one! I still find it sad though that there are so many men who have no idea when it comes to domestic matters

Nice to see this on the front page, I well remember the PR discussion, and as promised I'm back to comment...

First, though it is a lovely entry.

However... having thought about this all day since I saw it on the front page at lunchtime, I think it could be changed from househusband to "homemaker" (I hate that word, but it is appropriate)

My -husband did the househusband route when I went back to work after 3 years maternity leave with Gruesome #1. There was still 18 months to go with Gruesome #2 so he took paternity leave for that time.

However: despite my full time job, I still consider the parenting/family thing to mean that everyone in the household takes part. So,no matter how shattered after a stressful day at the office, I still consider it my job to help at home, almost from the minute I stepped in. Even now (when we're both back full-time working) we both do chores, housework and so on. We get next to no free time as such, but then, we do get time with the gruesomes (individually, since as a he's working most evenings/weekends.

So, if I have a nitpicky comment about the entry it is that the person who works outside the home shouldn't expect to be able to come home, get a cup of coffee thrust in their hand and relax.

As some men seem finally to be realising () househusbanding is a full time job in itself. So it seems hardly fair that the houseperson should work from dawn till dusk, while the other does 9-5 and no more.

Or am I in a minority of one here?

I think you're quite right Sho..it should all be shared..'especially' if both partners wotrk full time.One thing that has always really got me about my own family is that as long as I can remember my mums worked full time and 'still' been expected to do 'everything' at home while my dad just sits there with his feet up!even when he was unemployed for a time.. The way I see it its only fair that the first person to get home has a tidy round n starts dinner etc..but that seems too much to ask from some people..

Having decided not to run for the hills I have read this thread twice and waited an hour before replying.
Wild rose - please have the courage of your convictions. To introduce this subject under 'Don't take offence' then describe the entry as old fashioned etc. etc. etc. is a copout. I would rather see it titled 'I hated it..' or something similar.
Fords - I was interested to see a gradual softening of your attitude as things were said on this thread. It may surprise you to know that many men still regard housework as 'women's work'!! For instance here in Australia, the last refuge of the male icon (!!!!) where both partners are working 79% of chores are done by female partners! The figures for the US and the UK are slightly better, but not by much. As Seraphina said housework is a closed book to many men. My Dad taught me to cook, wash, clean and sew so that I could always look after myself. He was in a minority. Thanks for keeping an open mind. You're a star!
Pimms and Jimster - Thanks for pointing out the social engineering aspect! It shouldn't be this way but it is.
Barney's - I am ashamed to say that I don't make my own bread!!
Fragilis and Sho - Thanks for the comments. Sorry, but I could never bring myself to use homemaker!! Makes me think of a brickie or a carpenter building it!!
Despite the fallout from PR I'm glad I wrote it. If the entry helps one harrassed overworked woman who gets no help from a lazy male specimen then it has all been worth it!!
SBE