Invisible Labour and the Legacy of Yugoslav Socialism

Art Work: Invisible Labour and the Legacy of Yugoslav Socialism

by Howard Schultz

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	245 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	78 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

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Invisible labour is a term used to describe unpaid work that is typically done by women, such as childcare, housework, and eldercare. This work is often undervalued and seen as less important than paid work, even though it is essential for the functioning of society.

The concept of invisible labour has its roots in the socialist feminist movement of the 1970s. Socialist feminists argued that capitalism exploits women by forcing them to perform unpaid labour in the home, which allows men to focus on paid work and advance their careers. This division of labour, they argued, is a major source of women's oppression.

Yugoslavia was a socialist country from 1945 to 1991. During this time, the government made a number of attempts to address the issue of invisible labour. These attempts included:

• Providing free childcare and other social services to make it easier for women to work outside the home.
• Promoting the idea of gender equality and encouraging men to share in the responsibilities of childcare and housework.
• Passing laws that protected women's rights, such as the right to equal pay for equal work and the right to maternity leave.

Despite these efforts, invisible labour remained a significant problem in Yugoslavia. This was due in part to the traditional gender roles that were prevalent in Yugoslav society. Many women were expected to stay at home and care for the children and the household, even if they had jobs outside the home.

The legacy of invisible labour in Yugoslavia is complex. On the one hand, the socialist government made some progress in addressing the issue. On the other hand, traditional gender roles continued to play a significant role in shaping women's experiences of work and family life.

The experiences of women in Yugoslavia

The experiences of women in Yugoslavia varied greatly depending on their class, ethnicity, and region. However, some general trends can be identified.

Women in Yugoslavia were more likely to work outside the home than women in other socialist countries. In 1980, 53% of Yugoslav women were employed, compared to 43% of women in the Soviet Union and 38% of women in Poland.

However, women in Yugoslavia were still more likely to work in traditionally female occupations, such as teaching, nursing, and secretarial work. They were also more likely to be employed in part-time or temporary jobs.

Women in Yugoslavia also faced a number of challenges in the workplace. They were often paid less than men for the same work, and they were less likely to be promoted to positions of authority.

In addition to their paid work, women in Yugoslavia were also responsible for the majority of unpaid labour in the home. This included childcare, housework, and eldercare.

The double burden of paid and unpaid work placed a great deal of stress on women in Yugoslavia. Many women reported feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.

The role of the state in shaping gender roles

The state played a significant role in shaping gender roles in Yugoslavia. The government's policies and programs had a major impact on women's experiences of work and family life.

On the one hand, the government made some progress in promoting gender equality. The constitution of Yugoslavia guaranteed women's rights, and the government provided free childcare and other social services to make it easier for women to work outside the home.

On the other hand, the government also perpetuated traditional gender roles. The government's policies and programs often assumed that women were primarily responsible for childcare and housework.

For example, the government's maternity leave policy was very generous. Women were entitled to six months of paid maternity leave, and they could take additional unpaid leave if they needed it.

However, this policy also reinforced the idea that women were primarily responsible for childcare. It made it difficult for women to return to work after having children, and it discouraged men from taking paternity leave.

The government's policies and programs had a significant impact on women's experiences of work and family life. They both promoted gender equality and perpetuated traditional gender roles.

The legacy of invisible labour in Yugoslavia

The legacy of invisible labour in Yugoslavia is complex. On the one hand, the socialist government made some progress in addressing the issue. On the other hand, traditional gender roles continued to play a significant role in shaping women's experiences of work and family life.

Today, invisible labour remains a significant problem in many countries around the world. Women continue to be responsible for the majority of unpaid labour in the home, and they are still more likely to work in low-paid and part-time jobs.

The legacy of invisible labour in Yugoslavia is a reminder that gender equality is an ongoing struggle. It is important to continue to challenge traditional gender roles and to work towards a more just and equitable society.

Art Work: Invisible Labour and the Legacy of Yugoslav Socialism

by Howard Schultz

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	245 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	78 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE