I watched a debate on the television on this topic. There were two groups who discussed this. Surprisingly, each group had a husband/wife whose spouse was in the other group. This opportunity was too good to be missed, I guess! The debate was lively, did not reduce to a wrangling match because of the mediator. He was able to conduct the whole debate very smoothly.
Those who do not want their wives to work have no problems if their daughters or sisters work. Why these double standards? Their explanation is till the kids are young they need their mothers. So their wives could take up jobs after a few years. But they refused to admit what these few years are.
One lady wanted to know how long she was supposed to wait. She was a double post graduate, and professionally qualified. She said her skills would become redundant if she waited any longer. She has been waiting for over ten years. Her husband had no answer to her question.
One gentleman said his was a transferable job, so he wanted his family to be with him. If his wife was employed, she would stay back, he would have to shift and he would miss out on family life because the children would be with her. It never struck him that she could always resign her job and joins some concern in the city where he shifted.
But he wants to educate his daughter and wants her to join IIM at Ahmedabad. This is his goal in life. When asked if he would allow her to work, he said when she is so qualified, why should he deny her a career? His wife is a rank holder and a qualified person, but he wants her home. He was asked if in the future a groom wanted his daughter to stay at home, would he agree to this alliance. He said he would refuse.
Another gentleman said he did not want his wife to undergo the hassles of managing home and job. The daily hazards of bus/train journey, stress of a workaholic boss, stress of meeting deadlines, could all be avoided if she stays at home. Also the