Is the saying “man of the house” sexist?

likefunnyhelpful
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Yes, and has been for decades. (speaking as a middle-aged white male)

likefunny

Yes, I own my house and I am not a man. My boyfriend lives with me in my house. I am head of the house, premier ruler and Queen!

likeupliftingfunny

Yes, in what world is this a question?

like

As a woman, I don’t see it as sexist unless you are a plumber coming to my home to fix the nasty clogged toilet and point blank ask me if you can speak to the man of the house. THAT is sexist.

likefunnyhelpful

But the assumption that you couldn’t possibly know anything about it is sexist.

like

It’s 2021, so obviously anything referencing gender or race regardless off how it’s used must be “insert”ist

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Yes

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Not even remotely sexist. It’s a statement of fact.

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Inherently sexist based on the origins and why it's even a phrase, but often used without intending to be derogatory.

like

Not unless you are saying it to a woman: “is the man of the house home?” In what context is it being used? Sometimes it’s said to a boy when his father is away: “so, you are the man of the house this week?”

It’s a bit old fashioned and is used more ironically these days, IMHO.

I’m a 50-yo male and often wish there was a “man of the house”‘around to deal with all the adulting that I am bad at. 😂 (and I live with my same sex partner).

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No (and I’m a woman)

likehelpful

I prefer lord of the manor

likeuplifting

Yes, of course.

like

I suppose I’m in the minority. I don’t see how it’s sexist.

You’re simply stating you’re the male head of the household. Your wife would be the female HOH. In a same sex relationship there would be two (fe)males of the house.

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Queen of the Castle

likeuplifting

Nah

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No

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Not when it’s the woman

like

I think the implied power and "ownership" dynamic make it questionable. I don't think it is necessary to say "man of the house," "woman of the house," or "head of household" - what is it's use other than "othering" other occupants?

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Like everything else, intent matters. So, maybe.

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