Generally speaking, historically in this country, the care of a child has been thought of as female business.

Eddie Bernice Johnson’s quote, "Generally speaking, historically in this country, the care of a child has been thought of as female business," addresses the gendered division of labor and societal expectations regarding childcare in the United States. Johnson highlights how, throughout history, the responsibility of raising and nurturing children has largely been assigned to women, while men were typically seen as the primary breadwinners or providers. This view reflects deeply ingrained cultural norms that associate women with domestic roles and caregiving responsibilities.

The quote sheds light on the historical and persistent gender bias in the distribution of household and parenting duties. By referring to childcare as "female business," Johnson emphasizes that society has traditionally undervalued the role of men in parenting and has relegated women to the exclusive responsibility of raising children. This perspective is slowly changing, but Johnson’s statement acknowledges the long-standing gender roles that shaped the way parenting and childcare have been perceived in the past.

Eddie Bernice Johnson, a former nurse and U.S. Congresswoman, is known for her advocacy on various social issues, including gender equality, healthcare, and child welfare. Her work has often highlighted the importance of shifting societal norms to allow for more equal distribution of parenting responsibilities between men and women. This quote reflects her broader focus on challenging gender stereotypes and advocating for a more balanced approach to both family and professional life.

In essence, Johnson’s quote draws attention to the historical gender division in childcare and parenting, underscoring the long-standing expectation that women should bear the primary responsibility for raising children. It challenges this traditional view and invites reflection on how gender roles have shaped family dynamics and the broader societal understanding of parenting.