Is homeschooling anti-feminist?
I found an interesting article being talked about over at Just Enough, and Nothing More. The article can be found here.
But it’s frustrating to me that it goes without question so often that mothers are obligated to turn those brains and energy over to their children, keeping nothing for themselves, and not even getting that (meager) paycheck at the end of the day that professional teachers receive.
Now, I’ll agree that it can be frustrating, and tiring, and some days down-right agrivating. But I really think she is looking at it the wrong way. First of all no mother is “obligated” to homeschool. Yes there are many who feel that homeschooling is best, but no one is obligated to make that choice. Secondly I doubt that many homeschool mothers keep nothing for themselves. Yes, sometimes the amount we have for ourselves is less than what we wish, but rarely do I know a mother who lives 24/7 for her children without a bit for herself. That is the makings of a burn-out mother. You know, the kind that drive away in the middle of the night and aren’t heard from again. Most enjoy plenty of their own personal time. Thirdly, there are many things in this world more important than a paycheck. Would you argue that women who do vollunteer work, or missionary work, or charity work are also falling short because they do so without being paid? There are so many things in this world that are worth doing that you will never be paid for. But that not make them any less worthy for those who are truly passionate about doing them.
I’d like to share my comment that I left over at Just Enough, and Nothing More:
I think it is sad that some seem to think feminism means getting a job outside the home and making as much money as possible. Thats not feminism! Feminism means having a choice, being free to choose my own path. If we lived in a society where all women had to work that would be no less oppressive than a society where no women were allowed to work. By actively making a free choice to take the well being of my children into my own hands I am a feminist.
May 31st, 2007 at 9:32 am
I agree… I am thrilled that I have the ability to CHOOSE to educate my children at home. It seems that some think that all of us that homeschool are religious fundamentals (and there is no problem with those that are.. I am a conservative Christian myself), that are forced to do whatever our husbands tell us to do. Also, I honestly wouldn’t want the government to pay me to educate my own children, as then the government would probably try to tell me *how* and *what* to teach- and I don’t think that it is any of the governments business. They are, afterall, *my* children.
May 31st, 2007 at 9:47 am
I agree with you Steph about the money aspect. I would never accept payment from the governement as that would allow them to say what I could teach my children and how.
May 31st, 2007 at 1:19 pm
I strongly agree with your take on this matter. I am a Conservative Christian who has homeschooled for 14 years, and I would not want to be paid money for it either. As far as being paid all the other benefits- time and closeness with my kids, a flexible schedule to do it when we want, the ability to see their progress for myself, and the love of learning that we can help develop…those things outweigh any amount of money I could possibly have made in the time spent with them. It does not take a village, it takes parents who are dedicated to raising loving, responsible children to raise them.
May 31st, 2007 at 5:19 pm
As a product of homeschooling, I have to say here that my mother constantly tells us what a reward our successful, happy lives are to her. Makes me think of one of those “priceless” commercials; she chose to homeschool and has reaped many benefits, including the perk of watching her 3 girls become ladies.
Also, I totally agree with your take on feminism. I know many who fight for a woman’s right to choose an abortion but won’t fight for her right to use a midwife (it’s illegal here in Alabama).
May 31st, 2007 at 10:45 pm
Nice comment, Summer! I think I just might have to blog about this myself, as it is an issue I’ve struggled with for a while.
June 18th, 2007 at 3:55 am
[...] Summer, of Mom Is Teaching, opinionates in this piece: Is Homeschooling Anti-Feminist? [...]