(no subject)
Once again, I'm using my abused LJ as a storage space for a work in progress. All those offended may contact the chair of the history department here at OU with their outrage. This weekend, I have to write this paper on single mothers on welfare, finish reading a few books, research and write my undergrad thesis, prepare to present it, study for two major exams, work extra shifts at the library, and find time not only to sleep, but also to make delicious food for the two academic holiday parties I've been roped into attending. ACK!
By working at the library here on campus, I have had the unique experience of seeing the leaders of tomorrow showcasing their true personalities. I fear for the future of public education. I cannot count the number of times an education major has come blazing in, full of selfrighteousness and bitchiness. They're truly awful girls (not women) who I would keep my supposed children away from, at all costs. The particular one at the desk with my coworker is a true monster.
Future Teachers of America: GET OVER YOURSELVES.
And yes, I can say that. I used to be one, myself.
- - - - -
Are the women they describe (poor single mothers) bound by the doctrine of separate spheres?
Thus-far inescapable stigma of women in the workforce. Although there has been much progress (both through policy changes and grassroots movements), the basic image of a good mother persisted. Although single mothers did all they could to care for their children, their hard work and sacrifice was never enough for those who criticized the class of welfare recipients.
Not so much "bound" by the doctrine of separate spheres, as they are by their basic responsibility as parents.
Without their stereotypical counterpart of a husband who would traditionally brave the agora, these single women accept responsibilities from both spheres. The women examined in Kathryn Edin and Laura Lein's Making Ends Meet are filling their role in society, that of a responsible citizen, to the best of their ability given the circumstances. While the doctrine of separate spheres portrays a divison between the man's economic realm and the home-centered role of women. In the case of single mothers, the boundaries of these spheres are transgressed, morphing the two into one of heightened responsibility both within and outside of the home. Their lack of success in keeping up with the widely accepted standard of living is not entirely their own fault, but the evident lack of willingness to help in the nation as a whole.
Has the doctrine bound them into their situation?
The accepted form of the doctrine of separate spheres has gone through a series of transformations in America. As women have gained their own voices in the society and claimed territory in the workplace, the understanding of a traditinal woman's role has also progressed. Female workers have become an integral part of the economy, bringing positive changes to the workplace and marketplace. However, the inequality between male and female workers is clearly illustrated in Making Ends Meet. Although the traditional doctrine has been done away with, the workplace inequality of single mothers and the stereotypes heaped upon them is a lasting effect of the transformation of the two separate spheres. While women gained more and more influence in the work place, the home still largely remained their sole domain, pushing many men out of the picture. This profound display of the ability of women to both reproduce and produce in life is overshadowed by their failure to do so while maintaining the average standard of living in the materialistic and aflluent modern American society.
The equality of abilties which come natural for men and women has been hotly debated for centuries. In the 18th and 19th centuries, this debate was enveloped into the debate over citizenship and a political voice for women. In the middle of the 20th century, the debate over equality merged with the abilities of women in the work place. In today's society women are entitled to the rights of a full American citizen and are considered to be on even terms as female employees under federal law. However, the same government which grants this apparent equality refuses to help women most in need - single mothers living below the poverty line. The government which is meant to protect American citizens has done a substantial amount of harm. Not providing the opportunities needed. 1996 Welfare Reform. Gov't does not keep up with the basic needs of impoverished Americans. Calls for improved funding toward programs such as health care, education, and financial assistance have remained largely unanswered.
profound, illuminate, focus, shift, regression, cult of domesticity, both productive and reproductive, stereotype of a nurturing mother, persistant cultural barrier (?), jobs which are stereotypically held by women and men, separate but motehrs are seen as equal when staying within their sphere but very undervalued in labor market. Backlash recently against stay-at-home mothers who do not pursue a career, but also against mothers who choose to work. Lose-lose situation. Cultural ideals and expectations for women and mothers are at odds and change with each generation. Disenchanted. Expendable income. Womens issues in politics, recently. More influence. Still, the voice of the struggling single mother is largely unheard. 1950s image of the ideal mother promoted by the media was a regression - replaced ideas of equality with a vision of a submissive, appropriate housewife.
"Guilded Age women working away from home are at odds with the cult of domesticity - women must be home to keep house and children in line. Those in workforce are unfit mothers. Taking boarders, etc, also takes mother's focus away from bettering children. Sphere demands that women stay in their place and keep the home running smoothly. Highly unrealistic for the impoverished. Poor are seen as uneducated and immoral, women are blamed." 9/18
"Transformation of American attitudes concerning poverty in the 1950s" Nov. 8th Poverty became a popular platform issue in American politics following WWII, as if a far-reaching light was suddenly shed on the social fringes of America. The standard of living became a scientific certainty and the middle class lifestyle in America was growing increasingly luxurious and expensive. Women were pulled into the labor market in order to account for the financial demands, but most were not looking for a career. Role of affluent women in the workplace became a way to earn pocket money and supplement the material demands of a family. Molly Orshansky measured and defined poverty, focusing on children and the American family. Poverty became a women's issue in the 1960s.
- - - - -
On a more cheerful note, here's my Christmas List (in progress, of course)
Anne of Green Gables on DVD
Target Gift Card
ceramic hair straightener
nearly any book off of my to-read list
brown leather boots
black winter shoes
Rocketdogs!
a trip to Boston
nice writing pens
new lamp (since mine is lame)
new alarm clock
new mouse
Sims 2 expansion packs (pets, nightlife, whatev)
Ugly Betty, Season 1
grad school
more patience
Nintendo DS (Brain Age, Word Coach)
basic everyday earrings
rowing machine
peter pan on DVD
Harry Potter box set
Oxford University apparel
By working at the library here on campus, I have had the unique experience of seeing the leaders of tomorrow showcasing their true personalities. I fear for the future of public education. I cannot count the number of times an education major has come blazing in, full of selfrighteousness and bitchiness. They're truly awful girls (not women) who I would keep my supposed children away from, at all costs. The particular one at the desk with my coworker is a true monster.
Future Teachers of America: GET OVER YOURSELVES.
And yes, I can say that. I used to be one, myself.
- - - - -
Are the women they describe (poor single mothers) bound by the doctrine of separate spheres?
Thus-far inescapable stigma of women in the workforce. Although there has been much progress (both through policy changes and grassroots movements), the basic image of a good mother persisted. Although single mothers did all they could to care for their children, their hard work and sacrifice was never enough for those who criticized the class of welfare recipients.
Not so much "bound" by the doctrine of separate spheres, as they are by their basic responsibility as parents.
Without their stereotypical counterpart of a husband who would traditionally brave the agora, these single women accept responsibilities from both spheres. The women examined in Kathryn Edin and Laura Lein's Making Ends Meet are filling their role in society, that of a responsible citizen, to the best of their ability given the circumstances. While the doctrine of separate spheres portrays a divison between the man's economic realm and the home-centered role of women. In the case of single mothers, the boundaries of these spheres are transgressed, morphing the two into one of heightened responsibility both within and outside of the home. Their lack of success in keeping up with the widely accepted standard of living is not entirely their own fault, but the evident lack of willingness to help in the nation as a whole.
Has the doctrine bound them into their situation?
The accepted form of the doctrine of separate spheres has gone through a series of transformations in America. As women have gained their own voices in the society and claimed territory in the workplace, the understanding of a traditinal woman's role has also progressed. Female workers have become an integral part of the economy, bringing positive changes to the workplace and marketplace. However, the inequality between male and female workers is clearly illustrated in Making Ends Meet. Although the traditional doctrine has been done away with, the workplace inequality of single mothers and the stereotypes heaped upon them is a lasting effect of the transformation of the two separate spheres. While women gained more and more influence in the work place, the home still largely remained their sole domain, pushing many men out of the picture. This profound display of the ability of women to both reproduce and produce in life is overshadowed by their failure to do so while maintaining the average standard of living in the materialistic and aflluent modern American society.
The equality of abilties which come natural for men and women has been hotly debated for centuries. In the 18th and 19th centuries, this debate was enveloped into the debate over citizenship and a political voice for women. In the middle of the 20th century, the debate over equality merged with the abilities of women in the work place. In today's society women are entitled to the rights of a full American citizen and are considered to be on even terms as female employees under federal law. However, the same government which grants this apparent equality refuses to help women most in need - single mothers living below the poverty line. The government which is meant to protect American citizens has done a substantial amount of harm. Not providing the opportunities needed. 1996 Welfare Reform. Gov't does not keep up with the basic needs of impoverished Americans. Calls for improved funding toward programs such as health care, education, and financial assistance have remained largely unanswered.
profound, illuminate, focus, shift, regression, cult of domesticity, both productive and reproductive, stereotype of a nurturing mother, persistant cultural barrier (?), jobs which are stereotypically held by women and men, separate but motehrs are seen as equal when staying within their sphere but very undervalued in labor market. Backlash recently against stay-at-home mothers who do not pursue a career, but also against mothers who choose to work. Lose-lose situation. Cultural ideals and expectations for women and mothers are at odds and change with each generation. Disenchanted. Expendable income. Womens issues in politics, recently. More influence. Still, the voice of the struggling single mother is largely unheard. 1950s image of the ideal mother promoted by the media was a regression - replaced ideas of equality with a vision of a submissive, appropriate housewife.
"Guilded Age women working away from home are at odds with the cult of domesticity - women must be home to keep house and children in line. Those in workforce are unfit mothers. Taking boarders, etc, also takes mother's focus away from bettering children. Sphere demands that women stay in their place and keep the home running smoothly. Highly unrealistic for the impoverished. Poor are seen as uneducated and immoral, women are blamed." 9/18
"Transformation of American attitudes concerning poverty in the 1950s" Nov. 8th Poverty became a popular platform issue in American politics following WWII, as if a far-reaching light was suddenly shed on the social fringes of America. The standard of living became a scientific certainty and the middle class lifestyle in America was growing increasingly luxurious and expensive. Women were pulled into the labor market in order to account for the financial demands, but most were not looking for a career. Role of affluent women in the workplace became a way to earn pocket money and supplement the material demands of a family. Molly Orshansky measured and defined poverty, focusing on children and the American family. Poverty became a women's issue in the 1960s.
- - - - -
On a more cheerful note, here's my Christmas List (in progress, of course)
Anne of Green Gables on DVD
Target Gift Card
ceramic hair straightener
nearly any book off of my to-read list
brown leather boots
black winter shoes
Rocketdogs!
a trip to Boston
nice writing pens
new lamp (since mine is lame)
new alarm clock
new mouse
Sims 2 expansion packs (pets, nightlife, whatev)
Ugly Betty, Season 1
grad school
more patience
Nintendo DS (Brain Age, Word Coach)
basic everyday earrings
rowing machine
peter pan on DVD
Harry Potter box set
Oxford University apparel