Hermeneutic Labor: The Gendered Burden of Interpretation in Intimate Relationships between Women and Men
This paper argues that women in heterosexual relationships with men perform a disproportionate amount of "hermeneutic labor," the work of interpreting emotions, motivations, and intentions in order to maintain the relationship. This labor, often unrecognized and unappreciated, can lead to women's dissatisfaction and disempowerment.
hermeneutic-labor-the-gendered-burden-of-interpretation-in-intimate-relationships-between-women-and-men.pdf