What term describes the unpaid housework that women often do after returning home from work?

The correct term that describes the unpaid housework women often engage in after returning home from work is "second shift." This concept was popularized by sociologist Arlie Russell Hochschild, who highlighted how many women, despite having full-time jobs, typically undertake the majority of household responsibilities and caregiving tasks once they return home. The idea of the second shift underscores the additional labor that women perform beyond their paid employment, illustrating the ongoing inequalities in domestic labor distribution.

This phenomenon is significant because it reveals how traditional gender roles continue to impact women's experiences in the workforce and at home, often leading to a double burden of work. Recognizing the second shift is crucial in discussions about gender equality, work-life balance, and the structuring of family roles in modern society.