Why I Want a Wife

JUDY BRADY

I Want a Wife (1971)

Judy Brady’s essay became an instant classic when it appeared in 1971 in the premier

issue of the feminist magazine Ms. As you read, analyze the definitions of “husband” and

“wife” that Brady uses, and consider why this essay became so powerful in the 1970s.

I belong to that classification of people known as wives. I am A Wife. And, not altogether

incidentally, I am a mother.

Not too long ago a male friend of mine appeared on the scene fresh from a

recent divorce. He had one child, who is, of course, with his ex-wife. He is looking

for another wife. As I thought about him while I was ironing one evening, it

suddenly occurred to me that I, too, would like to have a wife. Why do I want a

wife?

I would like to go back to school so that I can become economically independent,

support myself, and, if need be, support those dependent upon me. I

want a wife who will work and send me to school. And while I am going to school

I want a wife to take care of my children. I want a wife to keep track of the children’s

doctor and dentist appointments. And to keep track of mine, too. I want a

wife to make sure my children eat properly and are kept clean. I want a wife who

will wash the children’s clothes and keep them mended. I want a wife who is a

good nurturant attendant to my children, who arranges for their schooling,

makes sure that they have an adequate social life with their peers, takes them to

the park, the zoo, etc. I want a wife who takes care of the children when they are

sick, a wife who arranges to be around when the children need special care, because,

of course, I cannot miss classes at school. My wife must arrange to lose

time