Do you really know? What is kinkeeping, the invisible workload often done by women?
May 3, 2025
Discover the often-overlooked term 'kinkeeping,' which encapsulates the invisible labor traditionally assigned to women in households. Delve into its origins and hear about the societal implications of this hidden burden. Learn how this role is frequently passed from mother to daughter, leading to emotional strain. Explore the current conversations around kinkeeping and uncover its negative consequences. This insightful discussion encourages us to appreciate and address the unrecognized efforts that play a crucial role in family dynamics.
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Understanding Kinkeeping
- Kinkeeping refers to family tasks subconsciously assigned to women, equivalent to unpaid labor often without thanks.
- It was coined by sociologist Carolyn J. Rosenthal in 1985 and often passed from mother to daughter in nuclear families.
Molly West's Viral Kinkeeping Insight
- Molly West, a 19-year-old American TikToker, made kinkeeping viral by sharing how women shoulder holiday planning while men relax.
- She likened kinkeeping to invisible backstage work in theater productions that enables the show to go on.
The Hidden Burden of Kinkeeping
- Kinkeeping adds stress and divides attention, often forcing women to juggle family demands and personal needs.
- Women kinkeepers frequently get blamed for family conflicts, adding emotional labor to their workload.