a) Family Expectations and Emotional Labor
Many working-class women are primary caregivers, responsible for children, aging parents, or extended family members.
They are expected to provide not only financial support but also emotional stability within the household.
Women often suppress their own struggles to maintain harmony, leading to emotional exhaustion.
b) Workplace Stress and Gender Bias
Many workplaces still lack gender-sensitive policies that acknowledge the additional burdens women carry.
Emotional burdens intensify when women face discrimination, unequal pay, or pressure to prove their worth more than their male counterparts.
Those in customer service, healthcare, or caregiving jobs may also absorb others’ emotional struggles, increasing stress.
c) Societal Expectations and Self-Sacrifice
Society often conditions women to prioritize others before themselves, making them feel guilty for prioritizing self-care.
There is a constant pressure to be the “perfect mother,” “ideal employee,” and “supportive partner,” leaving little room for personal growth.
d) Lack of Emotional Support and Safe Spaces
Many working-class women lack access to mental health resources or spaces where they can express their struggles without judgment.
The stigma around discussing emotions, especially in traditional or conservative communities, forces many to internalize their stress rather than seek help