The home: its work and influence

Name: The home: its work and influence
Author: Charlotte Perkins Gilman

By Charlotte Perkins Gilman

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Gender & Sexuality Studies Sociology

About This Book

The author examines the historical development, social functions, and cultural myths of domestic life, arguing that household arrangements concentrate wasteful labor and reinforce women's economic dependence. Chapters analyze beliefs such as domestic economy, maternal instinct, and the assumed aesthetic gift of women, then detail everyday tasks—housekeeping, cooking, and servant labor—and their effects on children, girls, and men. The work surveys domestic art, ethics, and entertainment, critiques present conditions, and proposes practical reforms to redistribute and professionalize household work and to link home organization with broader social progress.

About the Author

Charlotte Perkins Gilman

Charlotte Perkins Gilman was an influential American writer and social reformer known for her contributions to feminist literature and social criticism. Born in 1860, she is best remembered for her short story "The Yellow Wallpaper," which explores themes of mental health and women's oppression. Gilman's works often advocate for women's rights and challenge traditional gender roles, as seen in her utopian novel "Herland," where she imagines a society composed entirely of women. Throughout her career, she wrote extensively on issues of gender, work, and society, leaving a lasting impact on feminist thought and literature.