History of Feminism
In reply to the discussion: OK, seriously. I've seen this Liquid Plumber ad THREE TIMES and it is INCREASINGLY pissing me off. [View all]iverglas
(38,549 posts)Most of these products are aimed at women -- either to rectify their feminine failings (hair, skin, odour ...) or to do their women's work (cleaning in particular).
No woman can claim to be doing a good job of keeping her house and its occupants clean if she doesn't acquire each and every one of these unique, discrete products for each and every one of those unique, discrete aspects of the job. Soap and water just doesn't cut it anymore.
All of these products and the tasks that must be done with them combine with other pressures exerted on women, to keep women busy in the home, and keep them from looking outside it for meaningful things to do. And to make those who choose or need to go outside their homes feel guilty that they are not performing their real job up to snuff.