Ever notice that women, far more often than men, are expected to volunteer their time and their effort? On the one hand, the implication is that women’s work has no value. On the other hand, since they’re expected to do whatever it is, the implication is that it has considerable value (it needs to be done). Consider, as just one example, the production of a human being.
Am I implying that women be paid to be pregnant and/or to mother? I don’t know what I think about that. There’s something very unique about pregnancy, labour, breastfeeding, mothering … It’s not the same as being a daycare worker. Then again, it is …
I do think, however, that I should not be the one to do the paying (through my taxes). Unless, until, we need more human beings to ensure the species’ survival.
As for other things, housework is part of house ownership, so no payment by someone else is justified—except by the other people living in said house. Overtime? Definitely payment required there. Committee membership? Definitely payment required there.
Regardless, there should be no difference on the basis of sex, with regard to being paid or not.
