[Notes from Monica's session]

Monica - Definitions of work for women
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Women's place in the scheme of things

Original definition of free individuals - white middle class men
Women were consigned to the private domain
Work at home, not considered or defined as work.
- "I don't work I am only a housewife"
The Irish constitution only gives "duties" to women.
Women provide unpaid services which allow the man to go out and work in the capitalist society.

Ireland traditionally places a high value on education for women. (Better dowry)
The issue of childcare. Men have traditionally been cut off from childcare and family responsibility
Increase of 12 hour shifts very detrimental to family life.

Love labour - the sort of labour used to create effective bonds between people.
Certain areas of women's work can not be commodified. We need a new definition of what women's work actually is.

Traditionally middle class families farm out or board the children whilst working class use the extended family structures and support systems.