👵🏻 The Era Of Overworked Grandmothers
Even in Old Age, Women Are Forced to Continue Caregiving
This week, The Care Gap is highlighting the often-overlooked issue of overworked grandmothers. Even in their senior years, many women continue to shoulder the burden of caregiving, reflecting society's persistent undervaluation of women's work at home. Let's delve into the roots of this issue and discuss the far-reaching implications and necessary steps forward.
TLDR:
Undervalued Domestic Work: Society fails to recognize the value of women's work in the household, leading to an uneven distribution of the care load.
Early Onset of Inequity: The disparity starts young, with girls doing more chores than boys, setting a lifelong pattern.
Sandwiched Generation: Women often find themselves caring for both young children and aging parents simultaneously.
Continued Caregiving in Old Age: Even as they age, women are expected to continue caregiving without compensation, often for grandchildren and adult children.
Valuing Care: Society must be taught to value caregiving, and we must propose systemic changes to address this issue.
In recent years, the issue of unpaid care work, particularly by grandmothers, has gained attention due to its impact on women's economic and social well-being. Grandmothers, often the unsung heroes of caregiving, are bearing an overwhelming burden that society has yet to fully acknowledge and address. The proposal by JD Vance, the Republican Nominee for Vice President, to rely more on grandparents for childcare reflects a broader systemic issue: the undervaluation and invisibility of unpaid domestic labor, especially for older women.
I think one of the things that we can do is make it easier for families to choose whatever model they want, right? So one of the ways that you might be able to relieve a little bit of pressure on people who are paying so much for day care is…maybe grandma and grandpa [want] to help out a little bit more, or maybe there’s an aunt or uncle that wants to help out a little bit more. If that happens, you relieve some of the pressure on all the resources that we’re spending on day care.” - JD Vance, Republic Nominee For Vice President, USA
Gender Experts have called this approach unsustainable and "insulting" to the childcare crisis which requires a comprehensive solution that provides options for families across the country.
The Growing Burden of Unpaid Care Work Into Old Age
As life expectancy increases globally, the number of grandparents will increase. For instance, of the 7.6 billion individuals worldwide, 1.4 billion, or 18%, are grandparents (Chamie, 2018), the majority of whom are women (Shmerling, 2020). Globally, women perform more than 75% of unpaid care work, contributing to around 9% of global GDP, yet this labor remains largely unrecognized and uncompensated (ILO).
The disproportionate load carried by women starts early, with girls doing more household chores than boys, setting a lifelong pattern of inequality. A University of Michigan study found that girls aged 10-17 spend twice as much time on household chores as boys. As they age, many women find themselves part of the "sandwiched generation," simultaneously caring for young children and elderly parents. This dual responsibility can be overwhelming, both physically and emotionally. According to the Pew Research Center, about 12% of parents with children under 18 are also caring for an aging parent. Women are more likely than men to experience this dual caregiving role, with 23% of women aged 45-64 providing care to both their children and elderly relatives. For grandmothers, this responsibility often extends into old age, as they continue to provide care for grandchildren, sometimes at the cost of their own health and financial stability. This expectation persists despite their own need for care and rest. AARP reports that over 40% of grandparents who care for grandchildren do so regularly, often without financial compensation.
Ọmụgwọ and Cultural Expectations
In many cultures, including Nigeria, grandmothers play a crucial role in early childcare through practices like Ọmụgwọ. This tradition involves a grandmother providing comprehensive support to the nursing mother and her newborn, including preparing special meals and managing household chores to allow the new mother time to rest and recover. While this practice has cultural significance, it places an additional unpaid burden on grandmothers, who may already be stretched thin with other responsibilities. In Southeast Nigeria, Ọmụgwọ is more than a caregiving ritual; it's a societal expectation that often leads to financial and physical strain on the grandmothers involved.
I would give anything to go for my grandchild’s Ọmụgwọ, however, I must confess that it usually takes a toll on my pocket (financial loss). For instance, I sometimes transport myself to and fro, and I buy a lot of stuff in preparation for Ọmụgwọ. (Mrs. Onyi, 61 years old)
…the last time I went to Ọmụgwọ, my shop was locked for three months. … no income for 3 months yet I was spending from my savings. Still, this cannot deter me from attending the next Ọmụgwọ. (Mrs. Maggi, 60 years old)
Impact on Grandmothers’ Economic Participation
The reliance on grandmothers for childcare is not only an issue of unpaid labor but also affects their economic participation. A study in the UK found that grandparental care increases maternal labor force participation significantly, especially for mothers with lower levels of formal education (Cambridge University). However, this arrangement can limit grandmothers' ability to engage in paid work or pursue personal interests, especially when formal childcare options are limited.
In Nigeria, grandmothers participating in Ọmụgwọ often forgo their economic activities to support their children, leading to financial losses. Despite this, many grandmothers feel obligated to continue this tradition due to cultural expectations and the lack of alternative support systems.
Data and Statistics
Every day, over 16 billion hours are devoted to unpaid domestic and care work worldwide, with women, including grandmothers, contributing the majority of this time (ILO). This contribution, often made invisible in economic measures and public policy, is essential to the functioning of societies and economies. As global populations age, the demand for unpaid care work is expected to increase, exacerbating the existing inequities faced by women, particularly older women.
Valuing Grandparent Care and Moving Forward
Recognizing and valuing the unpaid labor of grandmothers is crucial for achieving gender equity and economic justice. Policies such as caregiving stipends, tax credits, and paid family leave can help redistribute the caregiving burden more fairly. In countries like Nigeria, incorporating financial compensation or support for grandmothers involved in Omugwo could alleviate some of the economic pressures they face. Additionally, encouraging equitable distribution of domestic chores from a young age can help dismantle the gendered expectations that place the burden of care disproportionately on women.
During Ọmụgwọ, my in-law usually buys me things than usual so I can enjoy my stay at their place. Sometimes my in-law takes me shopping and ensures I get everything I request. Yes ... Ọmụgwọ is a tedious process full of sleepless nights, but I enjoyed myself as I was given a 5-star treatment. My daughter and her husband also gave me lots of gifts, food items, and money. (Mrs. Ugodi, 60 years old)
Aside from the other gift items my in-law gave me upon completion of my last Ọmụgwọ, he also gave me enough money to open a provision store in appreciation for the care I provided. (Mrs. Victoria, 69 years old)
Furthermore, formalizing support for aged caregivers through respite care, mental health services, and financial assistance is essential. Public awareness campaigns can raise the profile of caregiving work and challenge the deeply rooted societal norms that undervalue this essential labor.
Lastly….
The era of overworked grandmothers highlights the need for systemic change in how we view and support caregiving. By acknowledging and compensating the invaluable contributions of grandmothers and advocating for policies that provide more comprehensive support, we can move towards a society that truly values all forms of care work. Addressing the issue of unpaid care work is not just about fairness; it is about building a sustainable and equitable future for everyone.
This comprehensive approach is essential as we continue to strive for a world where care is not a burden placed on the shoulders of a few but a shared responsibility recognized and valued by all.
The Care Gap newsletter is written by Blessing Oyeleye Adesiyan, Care Innovator, Gender Equity Expert, and Founder + CEO of Mother Honestly Group Inc., the parent company for The Care Gap, Caring Africa, and Caring Blocks on a mission to close the care gap for families, workplaces, and economies globally through content, advocacy, and technology. Follow @blessing.adesiyan @thecaregap @caringafrica and @caring.blocks for more.
Really fascinating stuff. Thank you so much for posting. Ọmụgwọ is such an interesting concept and institution. I want to learn more about it. The quotes in this essay are amazing - where do they come from? Did you collect them?