In 1985, Carolyn Rosenthal coined the term “kinkeeping” to describe the invisible and often unacknowledged work done by women. It encapsulates the physical and emotional unpaid labor women shoulder, from performing household chores to remembering relatives’ birthdays.
And it turns out that the word is just as relevant today.
The phenomenon went viral on TikTok after the content creator learned about kinking in a women and gender studies class.
TikToker’s @thought_dumpy likened the concept to a theater production where the behind-the-scenes crew working behind the scenes aren’t recognized or admired in the same way as the actors on stage.
The video has been viewed more than 7 million times and the hashtag #kinkeeper has become equally popular, with women sharing their experiences taking on underrepresented roles.
In fact, the global collective experience of working from home may have exacerbated women’s juggling.
Studies show that men fare much better at remote work than women. A study from Ohio State University found that when married, women tend to use flexible schedules to do housework and feel guilty when they don’t.
Meanwhile, a 2020 study led by Yale University found that women who work remotely and have children are more likely than fathers who work from home to experience symptoms of burnout and depression, including anxiety and loneliness. was found to be high.
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Sadly, but understandably, taking on the bulk of household responsibilities greatly impacts a woman’s ability to excel and progress in her actual work.
Leadership coach Debbie Danon says she “constantly” sees how destructive it can be for her clients to be family kin.
“Some older women regularly tell me about being intrusive at work about their child’s birthday party, or being ashamed of not being able to balance work and family life. there are,” she said.
“If it impacts employee mental health, it impacts performance, commitment and bandwidth.”
Despite the lack of pay, these disruptive routines are essential for society to function.
“Historically, the important role of women in building societies is undisputed, but modern economic valuation excludes these most important tasks, which have largely been entrusted to women.” emphasizes Dr. Anino Mwam, Founder and Managing Director of strategic and financial advisory firm Avandis Consulting.
First, she says society and business have a role to play in acknowledging that these unpaid contributions that “fall into the informal space” add value.
“By recognizing this and taking action by organizations to ensure that men contribute equally to caregiving, the burden on women, even single parents, will be reduced,” she adds.
There are a myriad of measures companies can take to reduce the burden on women. Examples include standardizing parental leave and understanding that flexible working is a disadvantage rather than assuming it is a level playing field.
But one of the simple things people in power can do today is start tackling this imbalance at home.
Danone said: Take a closer look at how your home is run and who does what.
“It can be uncomfortable to recognize that we have benefited from the invisible labor of others. It’s the only way we can,” she adds.
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