“The mother of a family should look upon her housekeeping and the planning of meals as a scientific occupation.”
- October 11, 1884 – November 7, 1962
- American
- First Lady of the United States, Diplomat, Human Rights Advocate, Chair of the UN Human Rights Commission
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Quote
“The mother of a family should look upon her housekeeping and the planning of meals as a scientific occupation.”
Explanation
In this quote, Eleanor Roosevelt elevates the role of homemaking by framing it as a discipline requiring skill, intelligence, and thoughtful planning. Rather than dismissing housekeeping as menial or routine, she argues that it should be approached with the same seriousness and methodology as any professional field. By calling it a “scientific occupation,” she emphasizes the need for organization, efficiency, and continual learning in managing a home.
Roosevelt was a progressive thinker who believed in dignifying all forms of labor, especially those traditionally assigned to women. At a time when domestic work was often undervalued, her words served both to validate the contributions of mothers and to encourage them to take pride in their work. She believed that running a household required intellect, adaptability, and responsibility—qualities as vital as those demanded in public roles.
Today, the quote remains a powerful reminder of the complexity and importance of domestic labor. Whether in meal planning, budgeting, or caregiving, modern homemakers are still engaging in tasks that require foresight and skill. Roosevelt challenges outdated stereotypes, urging society to recognize the home as a place of expertise—and those who manage it as deserving of respect and acknowledgment.
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