Intermediate Stories

Traditional Roles
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Traditional roles are changing in many countries. In Korea in the past many women stayed home and looked after the children. Today many Korean women work. Many have a university education and a job.

The same is true in many other countries. In Japan the tendency is still for women to stay home to look after the house and children, but this is beginning to change. Some women are going back into the workforce after having children. Many of them go part time. Some work full time.

Traditionally women the housework and raised the children while men were the breadwinners. Who the children now? Who does the housework? Women still do the lion’s share of the housework in most countries. They do most the cooking and cleaning. They take most of the responsibility for raising children. Men tend to ‘help out.’

Women gained independence, but perhaps it's at the cost of family. Women are at work and then they come home and are busy at home. They don’t have much time with their children as they used to. The often feel quite stressed. Men are often expected to do some housework. They are stressed . There is more tension in families.

Who should do the housework? Who should look after the children? What is the solution?