Why is it OK for dads to work fulltime, but less acceptable for mums to do it?

[hunkermunker]

That's it really. Just pondering it. I work four days a week (three weekdays, one weekend day).

And I've had surprised looks from people that I'm working so much. But I like my job, DS is happy with his grandparents for three days a week and his dad for the other.

And I was just wondering why people don't think it's odd that dads often don't take much time off after their baby's born (two weeks isn't much!) and then work five days a week. Nobody says to DH, "Aw, you must miss your DS" like they do to me - so why is this?

I don't want a debate about WOHM and SAHM - I know there are people who couldn't do whichever one they're not and have read all that before. I just wondered about the mum/dad working thing.

here in spain i reckon it´s quite normal for mums to work. it´s what i´ve gathered from my personal experience anyway. mat. leave is only 3 months so many mums leave small babies to go back. it isn´t looked on strangely. maybe the difference here is that they are left with grandparents, not childminders, so it´s not seen as being bad for the child...hence no judging..