Cleaning tools with bristles or twigs attached to a handle for sweeping, or flowering shrubs with yellow flowers.
From Old English 'brom,' originally a shrub with tough branches used for sweeping. Over time, the plant name transferred to the tool made from it.
Brooms are one of humanity's oldest tools—people have been sweeping with plant materials for thousands of years, and the technology hasn't changed much because it works perfectly.
Brooms became gendered as 'women's work' during industrialization, when domestic labor was systematically devalued and assigned to women. The tool itself is neutral, but cultural association with housewives reinforced gender segregation of labor.
Use descriptively without gendered assumptions. Acknowledge that all genders perform cleaning and maintenance work.
["cleaning tool","sweeping implement"]
Domestic workers, historically predominantly women, have fought for labor rights and recognition—their work is skilled and essential.
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