CHAPTER 21 – “Like Master Like Man.”

In Chapter 21 of “Worldly Ways and Byways,” titled “Like Master Like Man,” the author delves into the common grievances and complexities inherent in the relationship between masters and their servants. The chapter begins with an ironic observation on the frequent complaints by housewives about the unsatisfactory nature of their servants, highlighting the one-sidedness and lack of awareness in these grievances. It reflects on how the situation has evolved from past times when servants were considered almost as family members, to the present day, especially in America, where the relationship is marked by a lack of personal connection and is often purely transactional.

The author explores the societal and psychological impact of domestic service on both servants and their employers. It is pointed out that servants, who are constantly exposed to the private, and not always flattering, aspects of their employers’ lives, develop a skewed perception of their masters, leading to insincerity and imitation of their employers’ less admirable traits. The narrative then shifts to the idea that domestic service inherently sets one class against another, fostering a divisive environment that is further complicated by the visibility of wealth and privilege.

A notable part of the chapter is the discussion on the mutual awareness between servants and their employers, or the lack thereof. The author amusingly notes that servants often know much more about the private affairs of the household than the masters would like to admit, thanks to their position within the home which allows them to overhear and observe without being noticed. This leads to a critique of how people often underestimate the knowledge and influence of their servants.

The chapter closes by addressing the broader implications of domestic service on societal structures and individual relationships. It points out the gradual shift towards relying on immigrant labor for domestic work and predicts increasing difficulty in finding contented, efficient servants as social mobility and educational opportunities expand. The author suggests that the underlying issue is not with the servants’ attitudes but with the inherent power dynamics and lack of mutual respect in the master-servant relationship, emphasizing the need for a more empathetic and understanding approach to domestic service.