homemaking

Homemaking refers to the management and daily operation of a household. It includes planning and preparing meals, cleaning and laundry, shopping and budgeting, home maintenance, and caregiving for children, elders, or pets. While activities are traditionally performed within the home, they may be shared among household members or supported by paid services. The goal is to create a safe, healthy, and efficient living environment and to support the well-being of those who live there.

Key tasks and skills include time management, organization, food planning and nutrition, basic repairs and safety, cleaning methods, waste reduction, and money management. Effective homemaking often relies on routines, record-keeping, and the use of tools such as calendars, checklists, and household appliances or digital apps.

History and culture: In many societies, domestic labor has been gendered, with expectations that one sex performs homemaking. Contemporary discussions emphasize the value and skills involved in domestic work, advocate for equitable sharing of responsibilities, and recognize homemaking as skilled labor that supports families and communities.

Economics and modern trends: Homemaking interacts with paid work, childcare policies, and housing costs. Some households rely on household members’ labor exclusively, while others hire domestic workers or use services such as meal kits or cleaning. Advances in sustainability and technology—energy-efficient appliances, online groceries, and planning apps—affect how homemaking is carried out. The term is often aligned with "domestic labor" or "household management" in policy or academic contexts.

Across cultures, homemaking remains a central activity for maintaining daily life, household cohesion, and children's development, though definitions and expectations vary.