Women are often expected to adhere to strict moral codes of behavior that govern their appearance, dress, speech, and behavior in public and private settings. These expectations are often based on religious beliefs and cultural norms. Women who fail to meet these standards may face social stigma, exclusion, harassment, and even physical harm. In many cultures, women are seen as "property" belonging to men, who have the right to control and discipline them. This includes controlling women's access to education, employment, and personal freedom.
Religious leaders and communities demand that women perform emotional labor to uphold religious moral standards. Emotional labor is work that involves managing others' feelings and emotions for the purpose of achieving specific outcomes. It can include providing comfort, reassurance, support, empathy, or advice. Examples of emotional labor demanded of women include:
1. Modesty: Women must cover their bodies to avoid arousing lustful thoughts in men and boys. This can involve wearing modest clothing that covers the body from neck to ankle, including hair, arms, and legs. The concept of "modesty" varies by culture, but it always requires a woman to conceal her sexuality.
2. Obedience: Women must obey their husbands and fathers, and follow their guidance on matters such as finances, household chores, childrearing, and social interactions.
3. Chastity: Women must remain virgins until marriage and abstain from premarital sex. They must also resist sexual temptation after marriage and show no interest in romantic relationships outside the marriage bedroom. Women who engage in extra-marital affairs are often shamed and ostracized.
4. Self-esteem: Women should be confident and self-reliant, yet not arrogant or assertive. They should respect themselves enough to dress properly and act appropriately, while not being overly prideful.
5. Forgiveness: Women should forgive their spouses and family members for wrongdoing, even if they have been hurt or harmed. They should not hold grudges or seek justice.
6. Submission: Women must submit to their husbands and other male leaders in the community. This may involve deferring to them in decision-making, public speaking, and leadership roles.
Emotional labor is demanding because it requires women to constantly monitor their behavior and emotions to ensure they conform to religious standards. It can lead to stress, anxiety, guilt, and feelings of isolation. In some cases, it can even cause mental health issues such as depression or postpartum depression. Some women choose to leave their communities or religion altogether to escape these expectations. Others stay and struggle to balance their own needs with those of their families and faith.
What emotional labor is demanded of women to uphold religious moral standards?
Emotional labor refers to the work that individuals undertake to manage their feelings and those of others. This can include tasks such as regulating one's own emotions, expressing certain feelings, and managing how others feel about them. In terms of religion, it has been suggested that there are specific expectations placed on women to perform emotional labor in order to maintain morality and adhere to religious standards.