The Double Shift
Summary
A Singapore family court rejected an elderly man’s bid for half of the matrimonial flat after finding that, over a nearly 48-year marriage, his ex-wife had borne the overwhelming share of both financial and non-financial responsibilities. Although the husband claimed he had been a house husband and contributed through childcare and household management, the court found little evidence that he had meaningfully fulfilled those roles, instead accepting the wife’s account that she had been the sole breadwinner 🍞, primary caregiver, and main homemaker while also covering his debts and failed business ventures. Her daughter’s testimony supported this version of events, and the judge concluded that the wife’s efforts had formed the “bedrock” of the family’s stability, while the husband’s contributions were limited to a modest CPF payment, some ballot priority for the flat, and only superficial involvement in family life. On that basis, the court awarded 90% of the flat to the wife and 10% to the husband.
Application
This reflects what sociologists often describe as the “double shift”, where women finish a day of paid work only to return home to another round of unpaid domestic labour. In many first-world economies, women are expected to build successful careers while still carrying much of the responsibility for childcare, housework, and emotional care within the family. Although these societies often celebrate gender equality, the reality is that traditional expectations at home have not faded as quickly as women’s economic roles have expanded. As a result, many women live under a constant strain, forced to balance professional demands with domestic obligations in a way that places upon them a uniquely heavy and often invisible burden.