Radical Homemakers - A book review

 

Book Stats

Title: Radical Homemakers

Author: Shannon Hayes

First Published: 2010

Genre: Non-Fiction

3 out of 5 sourdough loaves (instead of stars)

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"Radical Homemakers" by Shannon Hayes is a book that challenges traditional ideas about work, family, and home life. It’s byline is “reclaiming domesticity from a consumer culture” and the book argues that homemaking is a radical and political act in a society that values consumerism, materialism, and individualism. In the book Radical homemakers are people from all walks of life who reject the mainstream culture and instead focus on creating sustainable and fulfilling lives centred around family, community, and the environment (this sounds like the three ethics of permaculture! If your interested see my blog post about “What is Permaculture”.)

The idea really speaks to me but the cover and title was a bit off-putting. BUT, once I opened the book I was impressed, I guess “Don’t judge a book by it’s cover” is a classic for a reason.

The book profiles a diverse group of radical homemakers who have chosen to reject the traditional career path and instead focus on building self-sufficient and sustainable lifestyles. From raising their own food and livestock to homeschooling their children, these radical homemakers are creating meaningful and fulfilling lives that challenge the status quo.

I originally didn't think this book was for me because I don't really consider myself a “homemaker” and I don't consider my self “radical”. I work outside the home as a professional (at the moment part time) and I spend a lot of my time parenting my kid but my husband does the cooking and shopping for the home (and I do the cleaning) so I don't really feel like I'm a “homemaker” but the more I read the book the more I saw things that I do that I never considered homemaking. I now like to thing of my whole family as the homemaking team and we each have different roles. And the book points out that this is how “homemaking” was practiced in 13^th century Europe, which was interesting and helps to know how to rebut the old “A women’s place is in the kitchen” stuff.

My favorite quote is “Homemaking is not something that stands in the way of our deeper fulfilment it becomes the fertile ground that feeds it” pg 250. So with this inspiring quote I decided to start working on my soil and followed a bunch of “homemakers” on YouTube. My favorite so far is “Farmhouse on Boon” as Lisa just throws stuff together and is happy with the result no matter what, I’m loving her can do attitude. Do you have any other recommendations for who to follow on Social Media?

"Radical Homemakers" is a thought-provoking and inspiring read that challenges readers to rethink their relationship with work, consumption, and the environment. The book is particularly relevant in today's society, where many people are struggling to find meaning and purpose in their lives.

Hayes argues that homemaking is a radical act because it challenges the dominant culture's values and priorities. By rejecting consumerism and materialism, radical homemakers are creating a new way of life that values community, sustainability, and self-sufficiency. The book is a call to action for anyone who is looking for a more meaningful and fulfilling way of life.

I found "Radical Homemakers" to be a powerful and inspiring book that challenges me to think differently about work, family, and home life. I now think homemaking is a skill set I need and now follow a bunch of serious homemakers on YouTube. I'm hoping this perspective shift will help me to live a more sustainable and fulfilling life.

You can borrow the book for free from the open library: https://archive.org/details/radicalhomemaker0000haye/mode/1up?view=theater

Or go to the website to learn more – Theradicalhomemaker.net