Skip to content

The theory that the man who raises corn does a more…

“The theory that the man who raises corn does a more important piece of work than the woman who makes it into bread is absurd. The inference is that the men alone render useful service. But neither man nor woman eats these things until the woman has prepared it.” quote by Ida Tarbell
Download Open image
“The theory that the man who raises corn does a more important piece of work than the woman who makes it into bread is absurd. The inference is that the men alone render useful service. But neither man nor woman eats these things until the woman has prepared it.”

Ida Tarbell

About This Quote

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

The claim that men’s agricultural labor is more valuable than women’s food preparation ignores that both are essential for consumption.

In simple terms: Both farming and cooking are vital.

Key Takeaway

Value all contributions equally.

Themes

gender roles labor economics food production

Mood

critical inquisitive

Type

analytical historical

When to use this quote

  • home cooking
  • farm management
  • policy discussion
  • education curricula

Key Concepts

division of labor social equity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can societies recognize all labor?
  • What policies support equitable food systems?
A Different Perspective

Cultural norms may still undervalue women’s work.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Ida Tarbell

Explore all 41 Ida Tarbell quotes

More Absurd quotes

Browse all 1,644 Absurd quotes