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Then there’s emotional labor. Now, that’s a good one. It…

“Then there’s emotional labor. Now, that’s a good one. It describes all the unpaid, uncounted, often unseen work that people—overwhelmingly women—perform to keep their families and workplaces humming along. Organizing office birthday parties. Arranging the kids’ summer camp. Coordinating visits…” quote by Hillary Rodham Clinton
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““Then there’s emotional labor. Now, that’s a good one. It describes all the unpaid, uncounted, often unseen work that people—overwhelmingly women—perform to keep their families and workplaces humming along. Organizing office birthday parties. Arranging the kids’ summer camp. Coordinating visits with in-laws. Helping the new employee feel welcome and included. The list is endless: all the little details without which life would devolve into chaos and misery. Not all women take on these tasks, and that’s fine, and some men do, and I salute them—but it’s largely women’s work. Finally, someone thought to name it.””

Hillary Rodham Clinton

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Women perform unpaid, invisible tasks that keep families and workplaces functioning, often called emotional labor.

In simple terms: Women do hidden work that keeps life running smoothly.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and value emotional labor.

Themes

gender equality workplace dynamics family responsibilities

Mood

reflective empathetic

Type

observational analytical

When to use this quote

  • family planning
  • office management
  • team onboarding
  • household coordination

Key Concepts

emotional labor invisible work gender roles

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can organizations fairly distribute emotional labor?
  • What steps can individuals take to acknowledge this work?
A Different Perspective

Often undervalued and taken for granted, leading to burnout.

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