In this week’s episode, Shanice talks about why she thinks the pursuit of work, life, and family “balance” may not serve women. She discusses how these conversations often rely on the assumption that moms should be giving their careers and their families an adequate amount of time and energy (often at the expense of herself). If you have ever felt like you were struggling to measure up in motherhood, your career, and your life in general, this episode is for you.
The Conversation
(3:55) Work, life, and family balance is often a standard that only applies to women.
(6:21) Shanice doesn’t have a problem with women who want to take on traditional roles and are choosing to fulfill that role.
(13:44) Shanice takes issue with the expectation that women should to take on these roles along with the other expectation of maintaining careers.
(10:39) Conversations about work-life balance are even more complicated for Black women who are often stereotyped as mammies, superwomen, and Strong Black Women.
Action Step/Journal Prompts (13:44)
Do you feel guilty when you have to work and can’t be with your kids? If yes, why? What does this mean to you?
Does it feel impossible to maintain your house while you’re working from home? If so, does this bother you? Why?
Do you feel less than worthy when the dishes are dirty, the bathroom needs to be cleaned, the floor needs to be mopped? If so, why?
Introspection (14:56)
Shanice shares what inspired this week’s episode.
Books Mentioned in Episode
Black Feminist Thought by Patricia Hill Collins
In the Wake: On Blackness and Being by Christina Sharpe
