That ‘Little Lady’ of Yours Deserves a Big Salary

Published November 28, 1985. Here’s something to pin on your husband’s pillow. If you are the woman of the house and manage the home and children all by yourself, your contribution in a dollar value is worth $40,823 a year.

That is according to the 1984 American Almanac of Jobs and Salaries. Michael Minton breaks down the job of managing a home into different categories. Next he estimates the number of hours performed weekly in each category and multiplies it by the average wage scale. Some of the categories are food buyer, nurse, tutor, waitress, seamstress, chauffeur, gardener, nanny, cleaning woman, errand runner, interior decorator, bookkeeper-budget manager, child psychologist, and public relations person-hostess.

In addition, according to a recent study by the Department of Health Education and Welfare, the Gross National Product would be 25 to 40 percent higher if household work were included as part of the national output.

I remember a few years ago the wives of high-ranking business executives in one company suggested that they also receive a wage or compensation for as much as $50,000 a year. The wives claimed if they did not provide the backup and support system for their husbands, the men would not perform well as business executives.

Women who work at home, and now those who also work elsewhere, have always known that they are performing a valuable service not only for their husbands and families, but also for the rest of society.

What may be happening nationwide, however, is that women who manage the home may feel their efforts are not being acknowledged by others. Tragically, this is often the case with husbands and children. Family members sometimes expect these services to be provided on a daily basis with little or no recognition, no appreciation, and, worst of all, no help.

We often hear the phrase, “A woman’s place is in the home.” It suggests there are few things of greater importance a woman can do. But a problem often arises when the phrase gets interpreted as “A woman should do everything in the home . . . alone.” With no help, along with little or no recognition for what she does, it is little wonder that some women begin to question the value or worth of what they are doing in the home.

Some family life educators believe that the nationwide trend for housewives and mothers seeking outside employment for pay may be derived from the fact they receive so little recognition for what they are doing in the home. It is not because they are necessarily bored, dislike working at home, or are at odds with either their husbands or their children. In addition to needing the money, they may be seeking some tangible evidence that their efforts are worth something to someone, as indicated by the periodic paycheck.

I think there is a message or two there for husbands and children. Mothers not only need a helping hand around the home, but also a little praise and recognition. If you do not value her work, just try and hire someone to replace her.