Many issues which might broadly be termed ‘feminist’ prompt intense debate – sex work, consent and abortion are some of the most obvious examples. The gender pay gap is another keenly contested topic. Some imply that women are routinely being paid about 14% less than men for doing the same job. Others, by contrast, insist that there simply isn’t a problem – that it’s all a matter of personal choice. The reality is – it’s complicated.
It’s not unreasonable to consider whether some kinds of work culture – given that women are (for whatever reason) more likely to have caring responsibilities – put women at a disadvantage. However Jeremy Corbyn’s intervention could hardly have been more inept.
Speaking of the need to ban after work drinks events Mr Corbyn said the culture “benefits men who don’t feel the need to be at home looking after their children and it discriminates against women who will want to, obviously, look after the children that they have got”
It’s not completely clear whether or not he thinks all men feel they have no responsibility to help with childcare – but it is very clear that he assumes all mothers will prefer to be at home rather than in the pub. And implicit here – ironically given he was setting out to combat sexism – is the idea that it’s right and proper that they should feel that way.
