The Incorporated Wife

This book explores the private lives and professional responsibilities of men and women, highlighting the comic and serious effects of the 'incorporation of wives into important State and commercial institutions. It provides a wealth of ethnographic material and raises important questions about marriage, work, and the future of institutions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 24 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Originally published in 1984, this book delves into the intricate tapestry of the private lives and professional responsibilities of men and women, unveiling the profound and multifaceted effects of the integration of wives into significant State and commercial institutions. Beyond their traditional roles within the home, wives have emerged as invaluable assets to their husbands' careers, employers, and the nation's interests. Take, for instance, the Army, civil administrations both domestically and abroad, and the police, who have unquestioningly relied on the dedicated services of wives, whether offered willingly, unwillingly, or silently. However, the nature of the relationship between these "incorporated wives" and the objectives of these institutions has remained largely unregistered in practice, unrecorded in social and historical accounts, and underexplored by analysts.

This book offers a treasure trove of ethnographic insights, woven together with personal anecdotes and scholarly interpretations, shedding light on the conceptual frameworks that govern the operations and cultures of these institutions, as well as the intricate process of identity construction. Many readers will find resonances within these pages, as the issues raised transcend the individual experiences of men and women, impacting our broader understanding of marriage. Given the evolving landscape, where more married women are assuming significant responsibilities in the workplace, it becomes crucial to contemplate the potential ramifications on the support and recognition extended to their spouses and those who employ them. Will husbands continue to offer the same level of support and encouragement to their wives and those who work alongside them, as they themselves received? Moreover, it is reasonable to expect that wives may become less inclined to render their services unacknowledged, a trend already discernible in today's society.

These questions and considerations underscore the significance of delving into the intricacies of the "incorporation of wives" into institutions. They challenge us to reevaluate our assumptions and explore the evolving dynamics between marriage, work, and societal expectations. As we navigate this complex terrain, it is essential to foster dialogue, promote understanding, and strive for a future where the contributions of all individuals, regardless of gender, are valued and celebrated.

Weight: 620g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032295527