MARRIED WOMEN AND WORK.
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]
SIR,—The question of whether married women in comfortable circumstances should work is one on which it is impossible to be dogmatic. In an ideal state of things, it would certainly be permissible for a woman of leisure and ability to work for the community and to receive payment for what she achieved, even if her husband were a man of ample means and there was no need for the extra income, always provided that the health and well-being of her children (supposing that she had children), the conduct of her household and the comfort of her husband did not suffer. But under existing conditions of life in Britain, one cannot think it sound economy or desirable that the wife of a well-to-do-man should be earning ii salary when so many competent and well-trained people are unable to get a job of any kind and are deteriorating for want of outlet and proper education.
For unpaid work for the benefit of the whole community there is, I venture to think, a strong case. The domestic circle is a narrowing one for a woman if she never moves beyond it, and she will have a better sense of proportion and a wider knowledge if she is to some extent in touch with the outside world, and her understanding of her children and her menage will benefit exceedingly. As Poor Law Guardian, magistrate, member of School Board or Parish Council, or in Research Work, she will have ample scope for her ambitions and abilities. Also, there is another word to be said on the subject. Ample income and achievement mean a great deal in life, but I don't think anything compensates a household for a lack of home atmosphere, a sense of restful- ness, sympathy, understanding, companionship and culture, which, though given in some cases by those intellectual women who carve out a career of their own, are very often lacking in houses where both husband and wife are professional workers and consequently specializing in their daily occupations.— am, Sir, &c., E. R. REDMAYNE. Clarctront Lodge, Cobham, Surrey.
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