A housewife is a married woman who manages her household and family as her primary occupation rather than working outside the home for pay. A housewife might cook meals, clean, do laundry, manage the family budget, care for children, and coordinate the many tasks that keep a home running smoothly.

For much of recent history, this division of labor was common in many societies. Farming, building, and other work often required great physical strength, while running a household and raising children was also demanding and essential work. As technology changed what jobs required and as laws changed to allow more equal opportunities, many women chose careers outside the home. Today, families organize themselves in many different ways. Some mothers work outside the home while fathers manage the household. Some families have two working parents. Some have a parent who stays home.

The work itself remains vital and challenging regardless of who does it or what it’s called. Managing a household well requires organization, skill, and dedication, just like many other important jobs.