Allison Daminger's research in "What's On Her Mind" reveals the heavy cognitive labor women undertake in family life, often overlooked in discussions of gender equality. Using interviews with various couples, Daminger illustrates that while both genders endorse equality, women still manage the majority of cognitive tasks. Unlike physical chores, which are measurable, cognitive labor is complex and ongoing, involving decision making and problem anticipation. Factors like employment status and income disparities affect the division of these responsibilities, with men often bearing less of the cognitive load.
"The mental load is almost completely borne by women. It's permanent and exhausting work. And it's invisible."
"Cognitive labor involves anticipating issues, identifying options, making decisions and monitoring results."
"When a man takes on chores, his spouse often tells him what to pack in their child's lunch box or reminds him to buy a birthday card for Aunt Susie."
"Solo breadwinners or men with higher earnings almost always took on much less cognitive work; only a minority of women in similar circumstances did."
Collection
[
|
...
]