Unemployment

Press, 13 November 1981, Page 12

Unemployment

Sir,—The line of argument used by S. L. Donaldson (November 9) shows scant awareness of our progressive and enlightened age. The correspondent relies on a rather tenuous premise: that most married women in paid employment are selfish and lacking in either the motivation Or the right to pursue a career. Women deplore the situation facing school-leavers and others today, but totally reject any system which discriminates against a group within society for reasons of gender or marital status. The right of all people to paid employment should be held sacred, as should the right of a married person to choose to remain at home. The answer lies not in

ignoring married women, but in providing an economic situation which encourages all people to pursue their chosen calling. An interesting point: S. L. Donaldson refers to the thousands of women who “go back to work” — presumably from what the correspondent considers the extended holiday of housekeeping and motherhood?—Yours, etc., J. P. M. AUSTIN. Women’s Electoral Lobby. November 10, 1981.

Sir,—ln support of J. L. Donaldson (November 5) who suggests those married women who do not need to work, return to the role of homemaker and let the young people have a chance. The many positions held in the Public Service — teaching positions especially — and in local bodies, which these women greedily hang on to would make excellent careers for some of our country’s young folk. I too wonder why the politicians do not suggest this obvious solution to help a section of the unemployed.— Yours, etc., W. MACINTOSH. November 9, 1981.