In the class today we had an interesting discussion about women’s situation in different countries: do women work, when do they get married, have children etc. I was suprised that it seems to be mainly in Germany where the whole Hausfrau thing is still strongly alive. Naturally our survey was limited, but we had representatives from European countries all the way to Equador.

I am, too, here as a Hausfrau. It is not that I prefer to, but it is hard to find a job if your German skills are limited. Most likely I would get some cleaning job etc but as I have 2 university degrees, I find it as a bit of waste of my skills. So instead, I have decided to put my energy on learning the language.

I am certain that I am not unique. How much potential is Germany loosing on Housewives?

Germany is a country where single income families are supported. Here we can survive with just a husband bringing the bread on the table. In other countries the women work because they simply have to. They do not necessarily have an option to stay at home with the children.

So here I have opted not to enter the working life unless I find something meaningful to do. It truly is a luxury situation. Instead of working long hours I can take more part in my daughter’s life, embrace the new German culture the way I want to, do the things I like.

Long live the Hausfrauen!