Part of me started beekeeping because I love honey and like bees, but another part is always thinking of ways to gain extra income. At my age (looking at 60) and my occupation (bodyworker) I would not quickly be hired if my self employment did not pay the bills. And now with the unemployment stats, women find themselves working too many hours still for only $.75/dollar paid to men in equal jobs or face a prejudice again of taking a job away from a man. Who knew that beekeeping was a feminist occupation, historically.
In an interesting article in June 2010 issue of Bee Culture magazine, Tammy Horn explains that The Langstroth hive design improved many women's life subtly. Beekeeping was one occupation women could have that did not lower their social status. In fact, there were many women beekeepers serving leadership roles in beekeeping associations. Many women were widowed or delegated primary income status with wounded spouses after the Civil War. Women were not allowed to vote, could not own land, their children were their husband's, divorce would ruin them (hard to imagine now, be careful of wishing for the "good old days") but they could sell honey. Beekeeping fed many families and balancing family and working was often discussed in bee journals. Women in positions of leadership showed there was respect and deference to their knowledge and ability to organize, as well as trusting them to lead.
So I am following in feminist footsteps by beekeeping. That pleases me, one of these days, this will not be a consideration or thought. May it happen soon.
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