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Original poster

Do families with an SAHP tradition think it's worth educating their DDs?

56 replies

CogitoErgoSometimes · 21/03/2013 08:46

Provocative but semi-serious question prompted by a Shock conversation with the (Neanderthal throwback) DH of a SAHM who sent their DS to private school but not their DDs because - and I quote - 'girls don't need to be well-educated to run a home'. I should add that this is a smart, outwardly normal, Cheshire family.

Why would someone who is vehemently opposed to mothers using childcare or being in paid employment think it was worthwhile educating girls or encouraging them to pursue a challenging career? Feel free to flame.

OP posts:
BeaWheesht · 21/03/2013 09:09

My mum was a sahm when I was under 5, I will be a sahm until my youngest starts school, dh's mum has been a sahm since we eldest was born 38 years ago!

I went to a great Uni despite having a sahm and would certainly expect no less from my daughter than my son in their education ie that they work hard, try their best and finds a career that pays the bills.

I know that god forbid were anything to happen and dh be unable to support us I could go and get a job / career because I have good qualifications.

ReallyTired · 21/03/2013 09:09

My mother knew a family like you describe. The girl went to state schools and the two boys were sent to private schools. Ironically the state eduated girl ended up at Oxford and did better than her brothers.

Many people with old fashioned views like your friend want their daughters to do well at school so that they can attend a good university and meet a wealthy husband. (They realise that the SAHM lifestyle requires a wealthy husband to fund it!)

I went to a private school with a friend whose brother was sent to Eton, but the girl just went to the local private girls day school. The girl now has a very sucessful career as a top nurse and has never married or had children.

WildeRumpus · 21/03/2013 09:04

In an NGO in India a strong principle was 'educate the woman, educate a family'. Because the woman is traditionally at home, education, or knowledge, comes from her first and is very influential.

I am a sahm atm and just got my doctorate. I love that I have my own knowledge and have been taught to think, but also am a role model to my two boys. I help them think for themselves and consider things far more than their working dad does. Value of a person goes beyond the protestant work ethic.

That man you speak of is clearly sexist as hell and am deeply saddened for his daughters. Either they will.grow up as doormats or full.of resentment to him. What a twat.

kim147 · 21/03/2013 08:55

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

freerangelady · 21/03/2013 08:51

Don't educate purely for a career - I think that would be a sad state of affairs. It's also to ensure a rich and varied cultural life.

freerangelady · 21/03/2013 08:49

It's the opposite in my circle. As boys are often going to inherit the farm it's the girls who are sent private and not the boys. Girls are often given a cash lump sum or some other property instead if the farm business but some older generation farmers still think the girls need to fend for themselves.

And youvd