Part 2/16:
The Concept of "Mankeeping": Origins and Meaning
Coined in 2024 through scholarly work by Stanford sociologist Angelica Ferrara, "mankeeping" references the emotional labor women often pour into supporting their partners—serving as emotional vaults, confidantes, and the primary sources of emotional support. The term draws from "kinkeeping," a sociological concept from 1985 that traditionally described the invisible work women undertake to maintain familial and social cohesion. However, critics argue that "mankeeping" has morphed into a weaponized concept, used to accuse women of excessive emotional burdens placed on men, often without regard for mutual contributions.