Newton Emerson, satirist-in-chief with the Irish Times writes what I hope is a tongue in cheek article about women’s place in work entitledWorking women almost certainly caused the credit crunch. We all may laugh (you bloody better be rather than nodding your head in agreement) but the fact is that this attitude is still enshrined in Article 41 of the Irish Constitution:
2. 1° In particular, the State recognises that by her life within the home, woman gives to the State a support without which the common good cannot be achieved.
2° The State shall, therefore, endeavour to ensure that mothers shall not be obliged by economic necessity to engage in labour to the neglect of their duties in the home.
When, oh when, will the wording of this be changed to reflect at least the aspiration that either parent, or indeed a parent, regardless of gender, should be afforded this sort of moral support with the housekeeping.
Picture above from The Library of Congress Collection in the Commons on Flickr.
It was definitely tongue in cheek but I think the tone was a horrendous misfire. Love the new blog though, R!