In the latest episode of The Breakdown with Bethany, Bethany sits down with best-selling author and equality advocate Eve Rodsky to discuss a poignant topic: the evolving roles of women in society, the workplace, and—most crucially—the home. Rodsky, known for her groundbreaking work in Fair Play, continues to challenge societal norms and offer a road map for true equity, particularly when it comes to domestic responsibilities.
The New Normal in Work-Life Balance
The conversation opened with a bold declaration from Rodsky about the future of work-life balance. “We’re not going back the same way,” she insisted. “I don’t think we’re going back to work five days a week. I don’t think that this new administration in America can push us back into the home. I really think that we’re going to continue to have a lot of progress for women.”
Rodsky’s statement reflects the seismic shifts caused by the pandemic, which not only disrupted traditional work structures but also created an opportunity to reevaluate the expectations placed on women at home and in the workplace. Her optimism underscores a broader societal movement: women demanding more agency over how they spend their time and rejecting outdated models of labor division.
Inviting Men Into the Conversation
The discussion then turned to what Rodsky describes as “mistake number one” in the feminist movement: the failure to fully include men in conversations about raising children and managing the home. “We raised our kids and didn’t invite men into this conversation,” Rodsky said. “That’s a recipe for burnout.”
By shouldering the majority of domestic responsibilities, many women inadvertently perpetuate a cycle of inequity that is exhausting and unsustainable. Rodsky emphasized that true progress cannot occur without an inclusive approach that holds all parties accountable for creating balance.
The Last Frontier of Feminism: The Home
Rodsky referred to the home as “the last frontier of equity,” pointing out how domestic spaces have been historically absent from national conversations about feminism. While much progress has been made in external spaces—workplaces, politics, and education—Rodsky argued that meaningful equity must start with the personal and extend outward.
“As we know,” she said, “the most dangerous type of oppression is silencing women’s voices.” When women’s labor and contributions at home are undervalued, it not only stifles progress but also reinforces systemic inequality in broader society.
This episode of The Breakdown with Bethany is a rallying cry for a more inclusive and equitable future. Rodsky’s insights challenge us to examine how we contribute to inequities in our daily lives and how we can better support women—not just in boardrooms but in the spaces closest to our hearts: our homes.
Rodsky’s message is clear: Progress requires participation from everyone. If we want to break free from cycles of burnout and silence, we must address the gaps in our homes and bring men into the conversation. Only then can we truly transform the societal norms that have held women back for generations.
Catch the full episode of The Breakdown with Bethany to hear more of Eve Rodsky’s thoughts on feminism, equity, and building a more balanced world.
