Bonnie Smith-Yackel's essay "My Mother Never Worked" from Women: A Journal of Liberation magazine in 1975 explores society's tendency to devalue the work and contributions of women. As a prolific writer, Smith-Yackel has penned numerous essays, book reviews, and short stories for various publications. In her writing, she emphasizes the demanding responsibilities her mother shouldered as an adult - physically strenuous farm labor alongside her husband, raising eight children, and managing household chores like cleaning, sewing, and cooking for their large family.
In conclusion, Smith-Yackel finishes her essay by sharing a disheartening encounter she had with a social security office employee, following her mother's passing. The worker refuses to grant her a death benefit check solely because her mother did not earn her income through government employment. This event highlights Smit
...h-Yackel's argument about the disregard the social security office has for the countless responsibilities her mother had, which they fail to recognize as a valid occupation.
The essay begins with a dialogue during a phone conversation and then delves into the author's mother's unwavering commitment. It provides insight into her acquired skills in managing the farm and taking care of her large family. The essay concludes by reflecting on how, even at 75 years old and limited to a wheelchair, the author's mother continues to cook, iron, and sew.
In her essay, Bonnie brings attention to the lack of recognition for women who fulfill multiple roles as wives, mothers, and homemakers. She concludes by making a surprising observation about how society and government overlook this work. Bonnie aims to evoke strong emotions and underscore the significance of women's contributions in
society, regardless of financial support from the government.
Smith-Yackel's essay was published in Women: A Journal of Liberation and Ms. in the mid 70's, making it aimed at individuals who were receptive to feminist perspectives. The author's tone is subtly persuasive, evoking empathy in an attempt to provoke doubt about societal beliefs regarding women's roles. This essay holds importance as it prompts readers to reevaluate the demeaning treatment of women and the expectations placed upon them.
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