Perry's Viral 'Woman's World' Video
Spurs Discussion of Unappreciated Work By
Women
TAMPA,
Fla., July 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Katy Perry's controversial new video, "Women's
World," is helping to spotlight the hidden labor, better known as
invisible work, that women frequently perform in the workplace and
in managing their households.
Academics Janelle E. Wells,
Ph.D., and Doreen MacAulay, Ph.D.,
authors of an upcoming new book, "Our (In)visible Work, that will
be published next month, said that when celebrities, such as Perry,
speak out about invisible work, it helps our society better
understand its consequences and the urgent need to address
them.
"Katy Perry does a service to
society by speaking out about invisible work. We need more
celebrities to recognize hidden work and its impact on the women
and men who silently perform it, "said Dr. Wells. "One of our
objectives is to make invisible work visible so those who perform
it can be recognized and compensated."
In an interview with Apple Music's Zane
Lowe, Perry said her perspective as a new mother gave her
newfound respect for "all the invisible work" that her own mother
did raising her and her siblings. In the interview (2:00-2:28), she
says: "I always respected my mother, but after I gave birth, there
was this huge level of growth of respect for her. Just watching her
as I grew up, all the invisible work that she did – how she
raised three kids without iPads, oh, yeah, in the 80s. And just how
women are unstoppable."
In their book, "Our (In)visible Work," Drs. Wells and MacAulay
reveal that people with marginalized identities often undertake
chores, duties, and responsibilities without recognition or
compensation. These tasks, which include emotional labor,
caretaking, and household management, are critical but often
underappreciated. The book aims to bring them into the spotlight,
where they can be acknowledged and valued.
In a recent Psychology Today column, the authors issue a stark
warning underscoring the potential for invisible work to
lead to emotional
exhaustion, burnout, unhappiness, and
a lower sense of self-worth. Emphasizing the immediate
and pressing need for change, the column calls on organizations and
policymakers to implement practices and policies recognizing
invisible work while supporting these workers who form the backbone
of our society.
Dr. Wells urged more people to talk about invisible work.
"Kate Perry's 'Woman's World'
video captures a cultural moment – and movement," she said. "Ms.
Perry's intention to honor women's unseen and often undervalued
labor is important. Our research confirms that invisible work,
often performed by women, is a cornerstone of our economy and
social fabric. This work deserves not only recognition but also
fair compensation. Ms. Perry's sentiments echo the findings in 'Our
(In)visible Work,' reinforcing the need for broader societal
recognition and appreciation of these efforts."
Further, Dr. MacAulay said that recognizing and valuing women's
unseen contributions is essential for creating a more equitable and
just society.
"The backlash to singer Katy
Perry's 'Woman's World' music video highlights the
complexities of how women are portrayed in society," Dr. MacAulay
said. "The message of female empowerment is vital, and we as a
society can benefit from the conversation about how we portray
respect and honor women's too-often invisible experiences.
Invisible work is a powerful force that sustains households and
organizations across the globe. Perry has brought the conversation
about this labor to the forefront. By having these conversations,
we can help shift perceptions and policies to better value and
support those who perform invisible work and bring it out of the
shadows."
"Our (In)visible Work" delves into the critical role of
invisible work in the modern workplace and its implications for
policy and practice. The book explores the various forms of
invisible work and its impact on individuals and society and
proposes strategies for recognizing and valuing this work. Click
HERE to pre-order this consequential new book. The authors
have a groundbreaking interactive web space, a platform designed
with empathy to foster a sense of community and understanding among
those who endure invisible work.
For broadcast or print interviews with Dr. Wells and Dr.
MacAulay regarding uncompensated work or their upcoming new book,
Our (In)visible Work, please contact Michael Frisby at Mike@frisbyassociates.com or
202-625-4328. Mr. Frisby can also supply digital copies of the book
for reviews.
About WellsQuest
WellsQuest is a collection of business, sports, academia, and media
professionals. We have collaborated with Fortune 100 and 500
corporations, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions
to help develop and enhance their approach to talent development
and management strategy, particularly for mid-level management.
Learn more about WellsQuest at www.wellsquest.com.
Contact:
Michael K.
Frisby
mike@Frisbyassociates.com/202-625-4328
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SOURCE WellsQuest