Some women accept the burdens of the "second shift" in order to avoid conflict with their husbands and families. How does this affect women? It increases their efficiency. It increases their confidence and self-esteem. It makes them unhappy and emotionally numb. It improves self-reported level of marital satisfaction.

The term "second shift" refers to the phenomenon where women, after completing a full day of paid work outside the home, come home to perform the bulk of domestic responsibilities and caregiving duties. When some women accept this second shift to avoid conflicts with their husbands and families, this can have several effects, which may vary greatly depending on individual experiences and perspectives.

It does not necessarily increase their efficiency, as handling both work and home responsibilities can lead to exhaustion and burnout. It might sometimes increase their confidence and self-esteem if they feel proud and culturally validated by managing both roles; however, this is certainly not a universal rule.

Conversely, constantly being overburdened could make women unhappy and emotionally numb, as they might feel overwhelmed by the continuous demands placed upon them without adequate support or time for self-care. This can lead to stress, anxiety, and a decrease in life satisfaction. Lastly, while some might report an improved level of marital satisfaction due to the avoidance of conflict, this can be a short-term effect. Over time, the unequal distribution of labor can lead to resentment and decreased marital satisfaction.

Each of these outcomes is contingent on a multitude of factors, including individual personality, quality of marital relationship, workplace demands, presence of a supportive network, and societal expectations.

Extra: The concept of the second shift originates from sociologist Arlie Hochschild's book "The Second Shift: Working Parents and the Revolution at Home" published in 1989. The "second shift" is a significant issue because it reflects ongoing gender inequalities both in the workplace and at home.

Accepting the second shift is not merely about the physical work; it also involves the emotional labor involved in maintaining a household and caring for family members. Emotional labor can go unnoticed but is often draining and time-consuming. This can lead to disparities in leisure time, mental and physical well-being, and opportunities for personal and career development between genders.

Moreover, the decision to accept the second shift might be influenced by societal and cultural norms which dictate traditional gender roles. These norms often suggest that caregiving and domestic duties are primarily women's work, even if they are also engaged in paid labor outside the home. The unequal division of labor at home can also affect women's performance and opportunities in the workplace, potentially perpetuating a cycle of gender inequality in different spheres of life.

In educational settings, teaching about the second shift and its implications can be important for raising awareness among all genders. By understanding the dynamics of household labor division and its impact, students can become more cognizant of the changes necessary for achieving genuine gender equality in all aspects of life.