Theclock strikes 6:00 and Maria is already in action. With one hand she holds her baby who decides that today is a good day to try yoga at 6:05, while with the other hand she answers urgent emails from work. All this, while preparing breakfast with the expertise of a Michelin-starred chef, because of course, you have to make sure the kids eat more than just colorful cereal.
After dropping the kids off at school (and not forgetting the lunchbox at home again!), Act 2 begins: Maria enters the office with the energy of someone who has slept eight hours (although in reality it was four) and assumes her professional role with a smile. Meetings, presentations and calls that defy the logic of multitasking. On her desk, in addition to the computer, there is an arsenal of toys to entertain her son in case of emergency.
She gets off work and sets out for Act 3 of the day: she weaves through traffic like a Formula 1 racer, because the clock is unforgiving: school closes in 15 minutes and the kids are counting down the seconds to their freedom. A quick stop at the supermarket to buy the forgotten ingredients for dinner (again without the shopping list!) and, finally, she arrives home.
Act 4 begins. While supervising homework, she cooks a dinner worthy of a five-star restaurant, and somehow also finds time to listen to the day’s school dramas. How does she do it? Absolute mystery.
Night is a child in Act 5. Bathe the children, read stories, listen to monster stories under the bed, and finally turn out the lights. When everyone is asleep, it’s off to Mary to collect toys and clean the kitchen. Finally, around midnight, she has a moment to herself. And just as she sits down to relax with her favorite series…. Zzz! Time for bed.
6:00 in the morning. The alarm goes off again…
If you’ve ever felt like the days are a never-ending marathon, where the finish line moves faster than you, you’re not alone! Welcome to the world of the double shift: that circus art where women balance paid work with the not-so-“paid” (but just as exhausting) work of the home. Ta-da!
Women’s participation in the labor market has been one of the great conquests of the 20th century. However, this victory comes with its own set of challenges. The reality is that, upon arriving home, many women face a second workday filled with household chores, childcare and other family responsibilities. This phenomenon, known as the “double day,” not only affects quality of life, but also has a profound impact on women’s mental health.
In this article, we will explore the historical evolution of women’s work participation, the cumulative stigmas they face, and how these relate to anxiety disorders and depression. We will also look at recent studies on double work hours and mental health, as well as the measures that governments and companies have taken to address this issue. Finally, we will recommend some books and films that delve into this topic, so that you can continue exploring the subject from different perspectives.
Ready? Let’s get started!
1. Historical Review: Women in the Workplace and the Double Workday
The evolution of women’s participation in the labor market.
To understand the double day, we must first look back at how women have come to occupy their places in the labor market. Women’s participation in paid work has had a bumpy and bumpy road.
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, most women worked at home. However, with the Industrial Revolution, job opportunities began to emerge in factories and workshops. This is where many women began to earn their own money, albeit under exploitative conditions and low wages.
Significant change came during and after the World Wars. With men on the front lines, women were called upon to fill positions in factories, offices and other sectors. Rosie the Riveter, the icon of the working woman during World War II, symbolizes this change. However, when the men returned, women were expected to return to their domestic roles, leading to tensions and conflicts over gender roles.
In the 1960s and 1970s, the feminist movement brought about cultural and social change. Women fought for their labor rights, equal pay and the possibility of a career. It was a time of great legislative advances, with laws promoting gender equality in the workplace and access to higher education.
The notion of the “double day”: paid work and domestic work.
As more women joined the workforce, a new challenge emerged: balancing paid work with household responsibilities. This phenomenon was dubbed the “double day” or “double burden”.
In many societies, traditional expectations about women’s role in the home did not change as rapidly as their participation in the labor market. Thus, women began to assume two roles: workers and homemakers. Working outside the home did not exempt women from housework, and they were often expected to be primarily responsible for childcare, cleaning and cooking.
This scenario created enormous pressure on women, who had to find ways to balance both responsibilities without neglecting either. The “double day” not only implies additional physical effort, but also affects mental health, generating high levels of stress and anxiety.
Maria, that modern woman who works in an office and, when she gets home, becomes a version of “Superwoman” without a cape but with an apron, can be on a work videoconference discussing marketing strategies while at the same time helping her children with their math homework and having a pot of soup boiling on the stove.
The double-duty problem is like trying to juggle lit torches while walking a tightrope.
And, of course, without a safety net. Although society has come a long way in terms of gender equality, the reality for many women is still this frantic mix of professional and domestic responsibilities, while the concept of equality is sometimes lost in misunderstandings.
2. Cumulative Stigmas in a Woman’s Life
A woman’s life is full of expectations and social pressures that often turn into stigmas throughout her different stages of life. These stigmas not only affect her emotional well-being, but can also trigger mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Let’s take a look at how these stigmas manifest themselves at different stages of a woman’s life and how they relate to the double shift.
Childhood and adolescence: gender expectations and education
From an early age, girls face gender expectations that can be limiting. They are taught to be kind, helpful and responsible, while boys are often expected to be independent and bold. These traditional gender roles influence girls’ educational and career opportunities.
During adolescence, the pressures intensify. Young women face expectations about their appearance, behavior, and academic performance. Research has shown that adolescent girls are more likely than boys to experience anxiety and depression due to these social and academic pressures.
Early adulthood: the pressure to balance career and personal life
As women enter early adulthood, they often face the challenge of balancing their career aspirations with the societal expectations of raising a family. The stigma here lies in the idea that a woman must choose between her career and her personal life. Those who choose to focus on their career may face criticism and questioning about when to “settle down” and have children.
This dilemma contributes significantly to anxiety and stress. Women who try to juggle both responsibilities may feel inadequate in both areas, perpetuating a cycle of guilt and emotional exhaustion.
Motherhood: the “superwoman” and maternal guilt
Motherhood brings with it a unique set of stigmas and expectations. The image of the “superwoman” who can do it all – have a successful career, be a perfect mother and maintain a flawless home – is an unattainable fantasy. Yet many women feel pressure to live up to this ideal.
Maternal guilt is a common phenomenon, where mothers feel that they are never doing enough for their children, no matter how hard they try. This feeling of inadequacy can lead to high levels of stress and anxiety. In addition, the “double day” is intensified during motherhood, as the responsibilities of child care and household chores are added to work demands.
Adulthood and old age: age and gender discrimination
As women age, they face new stigmas related to age and gender. Ageism can make older women feel less valued in the workplace, which can affect their self-esteem and emotional well-being. In addition, many older women take on caregiver roles for their aging parents or grandchildren, adding another layer of responsibility to their “double day.”
The combination of these pressures and expectations across the lifespan can lead to significant emotional and physical toll. Anxiety and depression are common responses to these cumulative stigmas, affecting women’s quality of life and overall health.
* The art of bringing out the beauty that resides in every woman’s face, so often hidden under layers of pain.
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In the imaginary, that woman who gets up at 6:00 to prepare the Instagram-worthy family breakfast, then rushes to the office to be the executive of the year. During her lunch break, she’s on a video call helping her kids with homework, while with one hand she’s checking emails and with the other she’s beating batter for a cake to bring to the parent’s club. And all this, without mussing her hair and keeping a smile on her face.
Social expectations can be so absurd that, if we look at them from a humorous perspective, we realize how unattainable they really are. This view helps relieve some of the pressure, reminding us that it is neither possible nor necessary to be perfect in all aspects of life.
3. Recent Studies on the Double Day and Mental Health
To understand the impact of the double day on women’s mental health, it is essential to review recent studies that have analyzed this issue. Over the years, numerous studies have highlighted the relationship between the double workday and psychological well-being, revealing crucial findings on how this burden affects women’s lives.
Impact on Mental Health
A study conducted by the University of Cambridge found that women who work a double shift are 40% more likely to experience symptoms of anxiety and depression compared to those who do not have simultaneous work and domestic responsibilities. This finding underscores the emotional burden of trying to balance the demands of both fronts.
Another study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology highlighted that women who work double shifts experience higher levels of chronic stress, which can lead to long-term health problems such as cardiovascular disease and sleep disorders. This chronic stress is due to a lack of time for rest and recuperation, which increases emotional and physical exhaustion.
Effects on Sense of Personal and Professional Accomplishment
Although the double shift can be exhausting, some studies have suggested that there can be a sense of personal accomplishment in fulfilling multiple roles. However, this positive feeling is largely dependent on the level of support women receive in their work and family environment.
Research from Harvard University has shown that women who receive significant support from partners, employers and social networks report greater satisfaction in both their personal and professional lives. The study notes that the perception of balance and support can mitigate some of the negative effects of the double day, promoting a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
Differences between Sectors and Regions
The impact of double time is not uniform and varies considerably by work sector and geographic region. In Nordic countries such as Sweden and Norway, where work-family reconciliation policies are more advanced, women report lower levels of stress associated with double working hours. This is due to government policies that promote gender equality in work and family, such as generous parental leave and flexible working hours.
On the other hand, in regions where these policies are less developed, such as in some Latin American and Asian countries, women face greater challenges. A study by the International Labor Organization (ILO) revealed that women workers in these countries report higher levels of burnout and lower job satisfaction due to a lack of support and resources to balance their responsibilities.
What if… Maria was a social scientist who decides to investigate the impact of the double day on her own life. Instead of a traditional lab, her “lab” is her home, with the kids, a mountain of laundry, and emails from work that just won’t stop coming in. Maria tries to keep a diary of her stress levels, but every time she starts to write, her cat spills coffee on the paper or her toddler decides to use the notebook as her new coloring book.
Academic studies may seem serious and full of statistics, but behind every number are stories of real women navigating the daily chaos with humor and resilience. Sometimes a good laugh is the best antidote to stress.
4. Government and Corporate Actions to Address the Problem
To mitigate the negative effects of double working hours on women’s mental health and well-being, a number of measures have been implemented by both governments and companies. Below, we discuss some of these initiatives and their effectiveness.
Government Policies and their Effectiveness
Many governments have recognized the importance of addressing double working hours and have introduced policies to support working women. Some of the most effective measures include:
1. Generous Parental Leave: Countries such as Sweden, Norway and Finland offer generous parental leave for both mothers and fathers. These leaves not only allow women to recuperate and care for their newborn children, but also encourage men to participate in child care, helping to balance the domestic burden.
2. Flexible Work Schedules: In several European countries and in some U.S. states, laws allow employees to request flexible work schedules. This flexibility helps women better balance their work and family responsibilities, reducing the stress and anxiety associated with the double workday.
Child Care Subsidies: Countries such as France and Germany provide child care subsidies, making it easier for working mothers to find and pay for quality child care. This financial support can significantly ease the burden of the double day, allowing women to concentrate on their work without constantly worrying about childcare.
Corporate Initiatives and Programs
In addition to government policies, many companies have adopted practices that support working women. Some of the most prominent initiatives include:
1. wellness and mental health programs: companies such as Google and Microsoft have implemented wellness programs that include access to mental health services, counseling, and stress reduction programs. These programs not only benefit female employees, but also improve productivity and overall company morale.
Workplace Childcare: Some companies, such as Patagonia and Goldman Sachs, offer on-site childcare services. This measure allows working mothers to be close to their children during the day, reducing the stress related to child care and facilitating the return to work after maternity leave.
3. Telework Policies: The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of telework policies in many companies. Remote work has proven to be an effective tool to help women manage their double workday, providing the flexibility needed to balance their work and family responsibilities.
Examples of Best Practices at the Global Level
Some regions have stood out for their innovative and effective approaches to addressing the double day. Here are a few examples:
Iceland: Iceland has implemented gender equality policies that include equal parental leave and laws requiring equal pay. These measures have resulted in greater involvement of men in household chores and less stress for working women.
Japan: Despite its traditionally rigid work culture, Japan has begun to introduce reforms to improve work-life balance. Japanese companies are adopting telecommuting and flextime policies to support women workers, although there is still a long way to go.
3. Canada: With shared parental leave policies and significant child care subsidies, Canada has been a role model in terms of supporting working families. These measures have enabled Canadian women to participate more fully in the workforce without sacrificing their mental and family well-being.
The support measures not only make women’s lives easier, but also create a happier and more productive work environment. At the end of the day, the goal is to achieve a healthy balance that allows women to thrive in both their careers and their personal lives.
5. Book and Movie Recommendations
For those who would like to delve deeper into the subject of the double shift, mental health and the experiences of working women, here are some book and movie recommendations that address these topics with insight and empathy.
Books:
“Women Who Run with the Wolves” by Clarissa Pinkola Estés 2.
This book is a compilation of myths, fairy tales and legends that explore the female psyche and its resilience. Clarissa Pinkola Estés, a Jungian psychoanalyst, offers a profound and poetic interpretation of these stories, highlighting how women can find strength in their wild and instinctual nature. Although not specifically about the double day, she offers an enriching insight into the inner struggle and empowerment of women.
2. “Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead” by Sheryl Sandberg
Facebook Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg explores the barriers women face in the workplace and offers practical advice for overcoming them. Sandberg addresses topics such as salary negotiation, work-life balance, and the importance of support networks. This book is an inspiring read for any woman looking to advance her career without sacrificing her personal well-being.
3. “The Invisible Woman” by Caroline Criado Perez
This book investigates how data and statistics often overlook women’s needs and experiences, perpetuating inequalities in all areas of life, including work. Caroline Criado Pérez presents a thorough investigation into how the lack of female representation in data negatively affects women and offers solutions to create a more equitable world.
Films:
1. “Bridget Jones’s Diary.”
Although this romantic comedy is not directly about double-duty, it offers a humorous and honest look at the pressures and expectations facing single, working women. Bridget Jones, played by Renée Zellweger, navigates her career, relationships and personal life with a mix of awkwardness and charm that will resonate with many women.
2. “A Fantastic Woman”.
This Chilean film directed by Sebastián Lelio tells the story of Marina, a transgender woman facing grief over the death of her partner and societal discrimination. Although the main plot does not focus on the double shift, “A Fantastic Woman” addresses issues of identity, resilience and the struggle for acceptance, offering a powerful perspective on the experiences of marginalized women.
3. “Erin Brockovich”
Based on a true story, this film starring Julia Roberts chronicles the struggle of Erin Brockovich, a single mother who becomes a legal advocate against a large corporation responsible for water pollution. The film highlights the tenacity and courage of a woman who balances her role as a mother with her mission of justice, exemplifying the essence of the dual journey.
