Why do we value certain activities over other ones?

Why is working in an office remunerated but not raising a child?

Why is someone’s worth equated with the job they do?

Why is a skilled worker building a house not valued

As much as the architect who designed the house?

We’ve created these categories in our minds 

Certain jobs are more desirable

Certain activities more worthwhile

In reality, we need each and every occupation

For a society to function 

Imagine if the garbage men go on strike

The history of what is valuable work for women

Has changed over time

From being a mother and an educator 

Responsible for the affairs of the home

To working outside the home and competing with men

Perhaps we need to move to the next stage

And value unpaid work again

Rearing and education children

Keeping an orderly home

Volunteering 

Artistic work

Caring for the sick and aged

Rewarding these activities monetarily would be great

But until then, we can just value them

For the real and essential ‘jobs’ they are

Any activity that serves a purpose and serves the community

Should be valued

August 30th, 2021