Why do women get master's degrees and then become housewives?

Question

This has always puzzled me. Why would a women bother to get her masters degree, her PHD, even her BA if all she wanted to was be a housewife?

It's just something I have always wondered. Is it to get work after your kids go to school?

Also, if you were a housewife, what would you do if your husband left you with alimony becoming rarer and rarer and the divorce rate pretty high?

Where would you go to work if you had to?

Answer 1

Because alot of women actually go to college to get their MRS degree. There's no way I'd waste my degree...

Answer 2

You are not required to parlay an education for a career. You can simply acquire an education for its own sake. If I were an instant millionaire, then I would consider going back to school to just learn subjects that I'm interested in.

But think again about the highly educated housewife. What does a housewife do? If she is responsible for running the home and raising the kids, then she has multiple challenges. Household finances can be complex, and even if you have a CPA you should be able to understand the books. Investments require research and tracking, involving a lot of reading and understanding economic forces and theories. Maintaining the home requires mechanical know how and the ability to negotiate and supervise contractors. Raising the kids involves psychology, sociology, nutrition, homework skills and general knowledge given the curiosity of children.

Another thing to consider is that often the content you learn is not as important as the learning process you pick up. Advanced degrees often involve the process of basically teaching yourself through research, experiments, investigation and analysis. This process can apply to other areas of your life that may have nothing to do with the subject matter of the advanced degree.

Answer 3

I got my master's degree in speech pathology with the sole intention of having a bunch of kids and maybe seeing some clients on the side to earn extra money. It didn't work out that way, because I started working in a school for children with special needs 15 years ago and never had the heart to leave. So, 2 kids later, I am still working full time, but many of the therapists I graduated with are all stay at home moms. I guess they have the degree to fall back on if they need it financially.

Answer 4

I'm just about done with my BA. I may even go on for an MA, if I get the scholarship I want. But if we can afford it, I'd like to be a stay-at-home mom for at least a few years. (I guess in my mind, a SAHM is different than just being a housewife. Being an SAHM is a full-time job!) Basically, I think that raising children is a very important job and would like to be the best mom I can. I think that having an education will allow me to be a better role model for my kids - especially my daughters. It will also give me a better chance at providing for my family if something unforeseen happens.

I think a lot of women start out with a BA/MA because they want to pursue a career until they get to a point in their lives where they are ready to have children. I know a woman (chemical engineer) who is continuing to work while her husband is Mr. Mom. It works well for their family.

Women today are graduating from college at higher rates than men. We should be proud of this and embrace that we have the choice!

Answer 5

I have a Master's Degree, but chose to stay at home for a couple of years when my children were young. I didn't want to miss out. Also, I wanted to be able to support myself financially if I needed to do it alone. I never want to be in a situation where I have to struggle day to day or depend on someone or something else to get me through life. You can do that without a Master's Degree, but it sure is easier with one. Plus, I just liked school.

Answer 6

I got my master's two weeks before I gave birth to twins. Now I'm an at home mom I love it. It is so rewarding to see my kids grow and to teach them. I am so confident that my kids will be very intelligent and driven individuals. I used what I leaned in school to organize their day and I work at home on the side. I make about 40K not even stressing about getting to work on time. I guess you have to decide what you want. I know I love being defined by my kids amoung other things not my career. Besides, won't most jobs lay you off at the drop of a hat? They could care less about you as a devoted employee. I know because I used to manage these employees. Why not devote yourself to your children for a little while. They are my priority. I can easily get a job if I wanted to. As far as the husband issue. I have a husband that I'm very confident about. They are his kids also and just like me he only wants the very best for them. When you have kids you'll understand.

Answer 7

If one assumes that a degree must be used for the obtaining of wealth through a career, then getting an high-level degree to be a housewife is a waste. However, if one assumes that all education is valuable even if it only for personal edification, then a housewife with a PhD is a very logical thing. I am one who thinks that education is valuable for its own sake and is never wasted.

As far as alimony is concerned, if I had children and my husband left me, I wouldn't want it. I would expect him to pay child support but I would do whatever it took to support myself and to care for my children. A degree could help with that but it wouldn't be a consideration in my decision making process when deciding to get a degree.

Answer 8

I am a "house wife" with a masters degree. I have my degree mostly for security. If something ever happened to my husband I would be OK. Earning my masters improved my mind and person as well

I find being "just a housewife" far more challenging than a "real job" ever could be. I get to be chef, accountant, actress, mom, sexy girlfriend, awesome entertainer, etc.. each day. So many women look down on women who CHOOSE to stay at home. Its funny, I always feel very sad for the women that miss out on such a dynamic and exciting way to live.

Answer 9

Why should what you decide to do as a career limit your education? I for one would much rather there be educated women out there raising our next generation than idiots. Being a housewife and mother is a very challenging job and you insult them by saying "if all she wanted to be is a housewife". Making sure a home runs smoothly entails many skills, few of which is taught in high school. Most educated women who opt to stay home with their children make many sacrifices to do so and they do this for the good of those children. How about a hand for the housewives of this world instead of judging and insulting them. Thank you moms!!!!

Answer 10

I'm a SAHM with a BA and not quite finished with my masters. I enjoy education and want to instill upon my children that it is very important. If some day I do need to work then I am qualified for something that can support my family the way I would want to, not just some minimum wage job.
I would get my PhD just to have it too, but right now spending time with my children and extra income on their needs is the priority.

Answer 11

Do you think that housewives have no intelligence? Education is important for life - not just for a particular "career".

And maybe they thought they might want a career, but then had children and decided to put their career on hold. Or maybe they just decided to do something different. People do that all the time.

I'm not a housewife, but wish I was.