In the early 20th century, most wives stayed at home and if you watch enough old re-runs, wore dresses every day, vacuumed in high heels and had dinner waiting on the table when their husbands arrived home from work. In the latter part of the 20th century, the women’s movement kicked in and well-educated gals traded home-cooked meals and spotless homes for long office hours and Chinese take-out.

But it seems everything that comes around, goes around, and more and more women (with and without children) are choosing to be housewives once again. Why are women putting their well-earned education and work experience aside to stay home and do laundry? Many not-so-desperate housewives say one spouse not working outside the home (or virtually) alleviates stress and allows them to put more focus on things that matter to them personally such as volunteering, being involved with their kids, pursuing creative interests and making sure their home and husbands are taken care of. And to many, that’s worth far more than a paycheck.

A recent CNN article details this growing trend. Click here to read the article in full.