Stay-at-home mom versus working mom is frequently a testy topic of debate everywhere you look. What about their husbands? Lately I’ve noticed a clear discrimination against men who are working class and have stay-at-home wives versus men who are executives living in that same arrangement. I’ve seen this distinction made mostly by women, so I don’t know what a man’s take on it would be.
Here’s what I mean. When Joe Executive’s wife stays at home with her three kids, no one seems surprised. In fact, it’s almost like it’s expected that this wife be available to plan her family’s social life. She’s expected to be a lady of leisure — arm candy — for him simply because he can easily afford it.
On the other hand, when Joe Worker Bee’s wife stays at home with their three kids, he’s called a caveman who’s out of touch with the times. I’ve even heard women paint this man as a potential abuser determined to keep his honey on lockdown. Because he may struggle financially in order for his wife to not have to work, he is viewed negatively.
Have any of you noticed this, too?
Pinkpodster Ponders 