kummitöös

Kummitöös is a Finnish term that broadly translates to "ghost work" or "phantom labor." It refers to the unpaid and often invisible labor performed by individuals, typically women, within a household or family that enables paid work to continue. This can include a wide range of activities such as managing household schedules, anticipating needs, performing emotional labor, remembering important dates, and generally maintaining the smooth functioning of domestic life.

The concept highlights the disparity in the division of domestic responsibilities. While paid work is recognized and compensated, the invisible work that supports it often goes unnoticed and unvalued. Kummitöös is not necessarily malicious or intentional, but rather a consequence of societal expectations and ingrained gender roles. It can lead to burnout and resentment for those who consistently perform this labor, as it adds an extra layer of responsibility on top of their paid employment.

Sociologists and feminists use the term kummitöös to analyze the economic and social implications of unpaid domestic work. It draws attention to how the efficiency of the paid labor market relies heavily on this often unacknowledged foundation of invisible labor. Understanding kummitöös is crucial for discussions about gender equality, work-life balance, and the fair distribution of household responsibilities. Efforts to address kummitöös often involve promoting more equitable partnerships and challenging traditional gender roles.