Assignment 8

1. According to Hochschild, what is the “Second Shift?”

·         Hochschild defines the second shift as. “the task of striking and restriking the right emotional balance between child, spouse, home, and outside job.”

2. Hochschild argues that families create “myths” about their division of household labor. Name and describe the family MYTH created by Nancy and Evan Holt.

·         The myth created in the Holt family was the “sharing arrangement” of the second shift. While Nancy cleaned the upstairs (including the kitchen, living room and bedrooms), Evan cleaned downstairs which consisted of the garage and storage room for his hobbies.

3. According to Hochschild, what is the purpose of family myths?

·         The purpose of family myths is to make things look fair. “For purposes of accommodating the second shift, then, the Holts' garage was elevated to the full moral and practical equivalent of the rest of the house. For Nancy and Evan, ‘upstairs and downstairs,’ ‘inside and outside,’ was vaguely described like ‘half and half,’ a fair division of labor based on a natural division of their house”

4. How do you expect to divide household labor and child care when you start a family? Please note whether you intend to work full-time, part-time, or stay at home when married and/or when you have young children.

·         I expect to divide household labor and child care directly down the middle. Ideally, I would like to have a dual-income family, where both my husband and I have careers. However, once we have children, I would like to stay home for the first few years of their life. This obviously would entail me taking on the primary role in the second shift.

Assignment 4

1) What does Cherlin mean when he argues that gender differences are built into the system i.e. "society." Give an example from the text of how gender is systematic.

·         Gender differences are built into the system through socialization. From the moment a child is born, they are socialized into the appropriate gender role for their sex. This process of gender identity is learned by example from parents, teachers, peers and the media. Depending on the norms of a particular society, that child will be brought up to fit the preconceived notions of what they feel it means to be a man or a woman. We can conclude from this that behavior preserves identity. For example, if a little boy is playing with a doll and his parents scold him for it (because that’s not what “boys do”) and they replace the doll with a truck instead, they are encouraging stereotypical behavior for a young boy. There are many similar examples that help children categorize appropriate male and female behaviors so they can act accordingly.

2) Give an example of "doing gender" from your own life. Had you ever thought about this idea before?

·         The only reason I have ever thought about the idea of “doing gender” is because I am currently enrolled in a sociology of gender class. It is amazing how we can go through the day with constant interactions that reinforce our gender roles and not even be aware of it. An example from my own life would be from when I went on a missions trip to Guatemala. Our purpose was to build a Sunday School room for a poor community. While I tried to assist in carrying cinder blocks and mixing cement, apparently I was to slow or not as capable as the men. Instead I ended up spending most of the trip taking care of the children and conducting Sunday school because I was “better suited” for that task.

3) From chapters 3 & 6 in the Cherlin text: define sexual identity in your own words. You may paraphrase/summarize Cherlin, but do not directly copy his words.

·         Sexual identity is another way to define ones sense of self. Whether it is heterosexual, homosexual or bisexual, each identity consists of a particular set of feelings, attitudes, and behaviors toward sex.

4) Next give one reason why social constructionists argue that sexual identity or gender are socially constructed.

·         No matter what society is looked at, there will always be a variation in the definition of sexual identity and gender; thus it is socially constructed.  Cherlin provides an example in the book where a man in a Latin American society that partakes in passive homosexual behavior would be considered homosexual, because the passive quality it identified with women. On the other hand, the male penetrating would not be thought of as homosexual because penetrating is associated with masculinity.

5) Last, why is it difficult to find accurate data on sexuality as a researcher? If you were asked to participate in a study on sexuality would you answer truthfully? Would you participate at all? What kinds of things would you want to hear from the researcher about how your privacy would be protected if you did participate?

·         It is difficult to find accurate data on sexuality as a researcher because not everyone’s sexuality coincides with the norms and values of society. If asked, I would participate in a study on sexuality because I am comfortable with my sexuality. However, because it is a private matter I would definitely want my identity to be protected. I would participate as long as I was assured that I would remain anonymous.

Assignment #6

1)      Briefly describe the trend in cohabitation over the past thirty years.

·         Although cohabitation was mainly for those of the lower class back in the day, it has now become acceptable. Cohabitation rates across the board are increasing, mostly among those who plan to marry in the near future.

2)      According to your textbook by Cherlin, cohabitation has three diverse meanings. Please list and    describe these using your own words.

·         1. An alternative way of being single: this meaning suggests that those entering into cohabitation do not have marriage on their minds. It is simply to enjoy the perks of living with your “partner”. This allows them to be free of any legal obligations or commitments, making it easier to end the their partnership if they so desire.

·         2. A testing ground for marriage: Cherlin states that cohabitation is also popular among those who plan to marry soon. This can be used as a “trial marriage”. Partners who are looking to enter into a legally binding relationship want to get a feel of how housework and finical aspects will be shared or divided.

·         3.An alternative to marriage: this definition of cohabitation is more common over seas. These couples live together, have children together, but do not make the legal commitment.

3)      Would you consider cohabitation? Why or why not? If you would consider cohabiting, which of

these meanings coincides with how you might view your own cohabiting relationship.

·         Much to my parents chagrin, I would consider cohabitation. I absolutely agree with the meaning of cohabitation in the sense that it can be used as a testing ground for marriage. I would want to see if the lifestyle of my future husband coincides with mine on a daily basis.

4)      After reading the boxed section on Domestic Partnerships on pages 228-29 in Chap 7 of your textbook, and going over the Powerpoint slides, list 4 of the rights that married couples receive that cohabiting couples want?

·         Being married entitles the couple to many rights that are not available to single people or those who cohabit. One of the benefits to being married would be that they can buy/provide health insurance for their partner through their place of employement. Cohabiters may share a household but they cannot join their income tax return, married couples can.  There is also the right to receive social security benefits and inherit your spouse’s possessions if they were to pass on. And lastly, married couples share custody and responsibility of their children.

5)      Do you believe that cohabiting heterosexual couples should have the same rights as married couples? Why or why not? What if the couple are the same-sex and cannot marry in their state, should they receive the same benefits o married people. Why or why not?

·         I do not believe that cohabiting couples, heterosexual or not, should have the same rights as married couples. I believe those rights help keep the institution of marriage sacred. If those who cohabit also had those rights then no one would marry anymore.  I feel that the privileges should be reserved only for those who are willing to make the lifelong commitment to another.

Assignment 5

1. According to the slides how do we define power, prestige, and privileges and give an example of each. Power, prestige and privileges are all closely related. In today's society if you are wealthy you have power; power to make someone else do something. Since most people strive for that wealth and power, those who do have it are well respected. This is known as prestige. Power and prestige combined earn an individual some special advantages that few others come across.

2. Also, what three variables do Sociologists use to define social class. How would you define your social class and why? Three variables that are used to define social class are income, occupation and education. I would define my social class as middle class. This is because my family and I have incomes that allow us to live comfortably. Both of my parents graduated college and hold occupations that require skill. My siblings and I are all planning to follow in those same footsteps.

These hierarchies in the U.S. are often based on race/ethnicity, education, income, and gender.

3.Think about how your race/ethnicity or gender or age has blocked your from an opportunity or given you an advantage. Please identify your age, or gender of race/ethnicity and then tell me your story. Recently I have felt that my gender had blocked me from a job opportunity. I was walking in the mall one day when I saw a help wanted sign in the GNC window. I have worked in retail before and since I needed the cash I decided to apply. Thinking about it now I have never seen a woman working in a GNC. I was more than qualified and had experience but never received a call back from them.

Assignment 3

I was the first generation to be born in America on both sides of my family. My mother, as well as her parents, were born in Germany. My father was born in Australia after his parents moved there from Poland. Although i do not think about my race and ethnicity too much, it is something that is important to me. i believe that the cultrual values and traditions that come from my backround help keep my family together. I would also like to pass on those traditions to my family one day.

While watching the video, what struck me the most was that the majority of the kids (despite their own race) picked the white doll to play with over the black doll. From an early age children are influenced by peers, at school, and by the media. I believe that their choice to play with the white doll over the black doll was not because they personally thought it was "nicer" but because the larger social factors influence them to believe that whiteness and lightness are associated with moral purity.

Assignment 2

1. According to functionalist theory, what was the definition of the "instrumental leader" and what was the definition of an "expressive leader." What family roles were connected to each of these leader definitions?
  

·         Functionalist theory defined the group’s instrumental leader as someone who led the discussion in just how certain assignments were to be completed. The expressive leader’s job is said right in the title; their job was to keep the groups spirit high. Functionalist theory views life in a very harmonious way; in their perfect world the father would be the family’s instrumental leader and the mother a supporting expressive leader.

2. What main demographic change during the 1960s and 1970s led theorists to be critical of the functionalist perspective?
              

·         The feminist movement was a huge demographic change that led theorists to be critical of the functionalist perspective. Women were commonly seen as “expressive leaders” within the family and often took care of the home life. As soon as they stepped outside into the work force the basic “functions” of family no longer held true and it became more of a conflict.

3. In contrast to functionalist theorists, in your own words, what is the main theme of conflict theory?

·         Funcationalism is a theory that every ‘piece’ of society comes together to function as a whole, just the opposite of that is conflict theory. Conflict theory concentrates on how those pieces of society differ and some are more likely to come to power rather than others. For example, a conflict theorist may study the inequality of men (who dominate) and women in the workplace.

4. Social exchange theory is based on ideas from what discipline (not sociology). What do exchange theorists say about husbands bargaining power versus that of wives?

·         Social exchange theory is based on ideas from economists. Humans are constantly weighing the pros and cons of actions and behaviors. To apply this theory to family, the “exchange” would typically be a wife doing housework& child care to reap the benefits of her husband’s income. However, once women entered the workforce they lost need for the exchange because their own income allowed them to be more independent.  

 5. Feminist theory is based on what main idea?

·         Feminist theory is based on the main idea of gender. Feminists believe that it is not the biological differences the separate men and women, but rather the socially constructed factors.

6. Thinking about the functionalist, conflict, exchange and feminist/gender perspectives or theories: do you think the power of wives versus husbands in families is changing and why? CLEARLY identify a specific demographic, economic, or cultural change(s) we went over in lecture 3 to support your argument.

·         Taking all the theories into account, I do believe that the power of wives versus husbands in families is changing. Women today are career oriented and independent so much so that they are putting off marriage and family life until they feel established.  In this economy, it almost seems natural to have dual-earners in the household.

Hey guys! I’m Chelsea and I’m a senior at Montclair. Even though I live about 20 minutes from campus, I have to leave an hour before class because parking is such a nightmare!! (I’m sure you all know that already though). I’m majoring in Sociology and I have no idea what I’m going to do with it once I graduate =/. I have taken an interest in Family Studies though and that is why I have enrolled in this course!  The most obvious career option I have with my future degree is to become a Social Worker, but I have also been looking into working with adoption agencies.

                My family is pretty tight knit. I live with both my parents and have an older sister and a younger brother. My parents have been married for over 25 years and I am fortunate that they provided me with an awesome childhood.  Perhaps that is why I am looking forward to topics like child poverty and effect of divorce and conflict on children.  Learning about these topics, I feel, will better help prepare me to get into a field where I can help children who are struggling.

                I am a newbie to wiki’s. I couldn’t even use my Montclair email to sign up! (hope that’s okay professor). I feel like the hardest part, creating the blog, is now behind me. After doing a little bit of exploring, the wiki seems pretty neat and easy to navigate. I am looking forward to using something other than blackboard =]