Why do people in India look down upon housewives?

poster 'Absum' put out a thought-provoking reply today on the genesis of this tendency. additionally, people also tend to attach more 'respect' to the earning potential of a job.

 

it's just a height problem, Rihana!

sorry for the flippancy, OP....

 

Absolutely true! I learned it the hard way and after a while.

 

You have nailed it. I believe in putting your education to use, being independent and man and woman equality, but in in India it's all about following an order. I belong to the older age group and have worked on and off. 10 years ago when I was not working, no one said anything, it was the acceptable thing. Now, everyone has suddenly started asking me, why I am not working. On my last trip to India, one of our female relatives asked me, if I was working, when I replied in negative, her response was 'all women are working these days, then why you are not', so basically people don't really think about why a woman should or should not work, but because they should do it as everyone else is doing it.

 

Do you realize that someone has worked very hard to give you a comfortable life? How about giving something back? Although I agree with your point about excessive societal pressure to work, I believe everyone should take some responsibility in their life. Many people also work because their conscience would not allow them to be dependent on someone. I knew in girl in college who was from a super rich family, owned five cars but she always traveled by bus because she wanted to be independent and not use what her father earned. I have myself not taken a single penny from my parents or husband after I turned 17, although I am also from a well off family.
It is not necessary to work for money. If you are too rich and don't need to earn money, you could volunteer for an NGO and do something useful with your time.