The main question in this blog is the conventional view of leadership style the overall view is for a style in which it is an aggressive one not a nurturing and sensitive one. Some styles of leadership discourage women because most require a high demand of power and authority. The issue then lies when conventional women are not viewed as very powerful people in the workplace. This can cause a wide arrange of insecurities for these women or become hurtfully disrespected. A year a ago I got involved in an organization that lobbies in the UN in regards family issues. The president of this organization is a woman. She is very soft spoken and humble but when it comes to debating, negotiating, and setting things right she not so soft spoken as she seems. I have seen and got offended by some men that have tried to ridiculed her due to her position but I know the reality is that she is a women and it seems harder to grasp that she not only the president of an international organization but she is also a very strong negotiator. She is what I call women that did not expect to be in this position but she has struggled to manage the behavior of non acceptance by other colleagues of her opposite sex. It is hard to see a women take on a “Men’s gender expectation” because most of those that we see as leaders tend to be men so when a women is in a position of power it is not only shocking but unrealistic. Not only is the women in this particular position ridiculed and questioned of her abilities but her femenity as well as her role as a women is question.
It takes a women of great character to not fall in the position of going back to the stereotypes that are constantly presented and instead become an over achiever. By setting a leadership style that is not scared and intimidated women in these positions of power not only function better so that they will not be harm by the negativity but serve as models for other women.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
blog 39
Identify the organization initiatives that need to occur before work/life balance can be obtained and equity among men and women is gained in the legal profession. Critique and discuss English’s re-imagining the future.
In order for equity among men and women in the legal profession is obtain there is a need of a lot of change and a constant promotion of equality as well as addressing the inequalities so these do not continue to happen. There is a need to respect family in the life of attorneys and the obligations each carry. If one is constantly connected to work it will affect the family role in a negative way. Employers should become more flexible and less demanding of what their partners should take as a priority. Well at least lawyers should not be put in a situation in which they have to choose between their family and their progress. Compensation for any time apart from family should be considered or regulated.
Family and work values should not be weighted and become more significant than the other. Women wages should change as well. Not are only women in this profession have to go through the same bar exam and same experience but they should also get paid the same. This will help them not only have the necessary for their family but should not question their expertise because in the first place this is not the question or at least it should not be. The differences among men and women should be noted but should not be seen as reasons to justify pay, position or ability.
The overall conclusion is that men and women lawyers are both capable one’ should not be seen as sexualized, over emotional and less capable then the other. Gender should not be the cause of promotion but ability and education. reasonable wages [fair wages], flexibility, are still constant variables that are in need of attention, even why not family days funded by the firm in order to maintain their family united.the good thing about these findings is that there are more and more studies that suggest some of the solutions needed so we can now change what is needed.
In order for equity among men and women in the legal profession is obtain there is a need of a lot of change and a constant promotion of equality as well as addressing the inequalities so these do not continue to happen. There is a need to respect family in the life of attorneys and the obligations each carry. If one is constantly connected to work it will affect the family role in a negative way. Employers should become more flexible and less demanding of what their partners should take as a priority. Well at least lawyers should not be put in a situation in which they have to choose between their family and their progress. Compensation for any time apart from family should be considered or regulated.
Family and work values should not be weighted and become more significant than the other. Women wages should change as well. Not are only women in this profession have to go through the same bar exam and same experience but they should also get paid the same. This will help them not only have the necessary for their family but should not question their expertise because in the first place this is not the question or at least it should not be. The differences among men and women should be noted but should not be seen as reasons to justify pay, position or ability.
The overall conclusion is that men and women lawyers are both capable one’ should not be seen as sexualized, over emotional and less capable then the other. Gender should not be the cause of promotion but ability and education. reasonable wages [fair wages], flexibility, are still constant variables that are in need of attention, even why not family days funded by the firm in order to maintain their family united.the good thing about these findings is that there are more and more studies that suggest some of the solutions needed so we can now change what is needed.
blog 38
I choose to write on ;
Florence E. Allen she was an honors graduate from NYU law school and the first Ohio women prosecutor. What is significant of her is that she was the first women to argue at the supreme court and also to be elected to state trial court and handle a first degree murder case. She was also the first women to be appointed to a federal court by President Franklin Roosevelt. Another women in the law field I choose was Jane Bolin. She was the first black women graduate from Yale Law School. Bolin had several experience as a clerked while she prepared for her bar exam and passed on 1937. She was named Assistant corporation counsel for the city of New York and then had a wide experience for 40 years serving as a judge of Domestic Relations Court. This position made her the first black women judge in the United States. I found these women very interesting because both were in the position of breaking the barriers set up by society. They both became the first to be in situations that women were not in. Florence as the first prosecutor and Bolin as the first black judge. I admire women that not only break through the unknown but those that have a positive effect on history.
Florence E. Allen she was an honors graduate from NYU law school and the first Ohio women prosecutor. What is significant of her is that she was the first women to argue at the supreme court and also to be elected to state trial court and handle a first degree murder case. She was also the first women to be appointed to a federal court by President Franklin Roosevelt. Another women in the law field I choose was Jane Bolin. She was the first black women graduate from Yale Law School. Bolin had several experience as a clerked while she prepared for her bar exam and passed on 1937. She was named Assistant corporation counsel for the city of New York and then had a wide experience for 40 years serving as a judge of Domestic Relations Court. This position made her the first black women judge in the United States. I found these women very interesting because both were in the position of breaking the barriers set up by society. They both became the first to be in situations that women were not in. Florence as the first prosecutor and Bolin as the first black judge. I admire women that not only break through the unknown but those that have a positive effect on history.
blog 37
It is not hidden that there is a relation of the readings by English and the report “Charting Our Progress” by the American Bar Association. Both readings emphasized that there is an increase of women in the legal field but there are also draw backs. English's report in terms of the struggle to balance things such as a career and child care or elderly care.
The article by ABA state that “Legal employers should recognize the costs attributable to “brain drain”
When young women leave the profession because of the imbalance between
Work and family” it is clear that employers need to become more supportive and flexible so that women do not suffer from schedule creep. Many law firms and legal organizations understand that this balance is difficult and often provide part-time schedules to accommodate their employees with children at home. Another issue that is address in the text is the diversity in the firm as if not only they are question for their ability of being women but also for their ethnicity and background. The ABA also suggest that “women of color, continue to lag behind men in compensation and advancement to leadership positions”. I find it a bit comforting to know that there is great deal of progress but also hope that the progress comes soon as an aspiring grad student or lawyer I would like to know that as a mother I might have the opportunity to have the ability to take care of my son and also continue on with my profession.
The article by ABA state that “Legal employers should recognize the costs attributable to “brain drain”
When young women leave the profession because of the imbalance between
Work and family” it is clear that employers need to become more supportive and flexible so that women do not suffer from schedule creep. Many law firms and legal organizations understand that this balance is difficult and often provide part-time schedules to accommodate their employees with children at home. Another issue that is address in the text is the diversity in the firm as if not only they are question for their ability of being women but also for their ethnicity and background. The ABA also suggest that “women of color, continue to lag behind men in compensation and advancement to leadership positions”. I find it a bit comforting to know that there is great deal of progress but also hope that the progress comes soon as an aspiring grad student or lawyer I would like to know that as a mother I might have the opportunity to have the ability to take care of my son and also continue on with my profession.
blog 36
In my personal belief and after listening to the npr reading/assignment I have realized that it is really hard for women to go back into a career or job that affected them negatively due to gender. The glass ceiling labor statistics shows that 49% business programs are filled by women other issues of sexism and corporate competition affect women. Women should be in more Significant positions and the econmist have stated that the above principle affect women from acheiving these high positions. The issues of what women prioritize comes into place. More and more women have to choose to put their corporation they work in is more important than their family by having the decision of moving from certain places in order to deal with a better position. I have known very good friend that has worked for IBM and has had to relocate to various states in order to maintain a good position but after having a child her competing position has changed as well as her pay rate. NPR interview suggests that there is a need of personal strength and determination to enter back into a profession where you know that you were mistreated. The glass ceiling has been a discouragement to women. Although there are more opportunities for women there is still an existence of barriers that women need to choose from in order to continue with their position. The whole notion of company over their personal life will continue to hinder women from obtaining successful positions.
blog 34
Joan Williams the author of the book “unbending gender” relates two different trends, Williams explains that “the term "unbending gender" refers to two different trends. The first is that, to date, gender roles in this country have been unbending and unyielding; there has been a lot less change than we had hoped for 20 or 30 years ago. The second is that, to the (significant) extent that things have changed, changes have been achieved not by moving towards androgyny, but by widening out the range of socially acceptable masculinities and femininities-preserving "la difference" between men and women” Her major work was inspired when she became a mother. It seemed as she became a mother “Then gender issues and service to women's issues began to determine the course of my work”. Based on the interview done to Williams there are several parallels to the work/life balances described in Gender on Trial ; such as choosing a firm that is family oriented and that classify some mothers that are lawyers as par timers. This causes resistance among mothers and either get another job or quit their firm in order to form a resistance in this type of culture and if mother decide to stay in the firm they become into an issue that makes them“suspect mothers” (2003: 230) who have to constantly worried about whether their choice to stay in a firm was the right one. Mothers that work partime are then stigmatized because the notion described in the by English “Real Workers don’t work Part-time” , make women guilty that they can not work full time and are stigmatized by the notion that they are not at all committed to their career.
The notion of childcare and a betterment in the social structure of jobs for womens that are caretakes resonates from our previous text from Putting Children first. Which is why Williams objective and ultimate goal is that women can have “have rewarding work and a rewarding family life without feeling extraordinarily torn, overworked or having to choose”
Employers then should be educated to understand that the “ ideal worker definition should not be one that excludes women because they have children and provide care for their children. To define the ideal worker in any other way discriminates against all women” states William.
The notion of childcare and a betterment in the social structure of jobs for womens that are caretakes resonates from our previous text from Putting Children first. Which is why Williams objective and ultimate goal is that women can have “have rewarding work and a rewarding family life without feeling extraordinarily torn, overworked or having to choose”
Employers then should be educated to understand that the “ ideal worker definition should not be one that excludes women because they have children and provide care for their children. To define the ideal worker in any other way discriminates against all women” states William.
blog 35
Although there is a need in corporate America to become more dominanted by women in high positions the dreams of this to come true at times are seen unrealistic. Not only are women dealing with recent issues of job loss but now they are more and more women working two jobs and still dealing with issues at home. Some of the studies presented in the course readings show that women experience the values vs. control dilemma, which basically sums up to state that women balance between their values and the control they have over other values they have. A perfect example that I have is my personal values and goals. I am soon graduating but at the same time I have my son to take care of. My education and getting into grad school are a big part of my educational motivation but struggling with issues of work schedule and trying to find a quality child care to take care of my son make me realize that these dreams are need to be put at hold. The values that I have to take care of my son are beyond my personal values and goals which leave a bitter sweet experience. Although my husband takes care of my son in order for me to go to school my husband goes to work at night and then for later on in the day I have no one to help me take care of him in order to get studying done or homework done. Although I try really hard to get my homework and projects done before I get home at times I don’t have time to read or study and I end up either studying all night with no sleep as my son sleeps. This creates a bit of discomfort because I have to go to work early in the morning. This semester has been like this so I have questioned whether it really is a good a idea to continue on if I won’t have time to study. My priority is my family and I wish at times there could be ways that I could achieve both being a good mother but as well reach my educational and professional goals.
In the short article for our readings emphasizes my struggles by stating that although the EEOC's states that "Men's role in parenting and other caregiving has increased, but is still vastly outweighed by women's.The article continues on to state that employers are also have a responsibility of these caretakers that balance work and family. Not only because they are employed by their organizations but because they have the responsibility to give them more flexible hours.
In the short article for our readings emphasizes my struggles by stating that although the EEOC's states that "Men's role in parenting and other caregiving has increased, but is still vastly outweighed by women's.The article continues on to state that employers are also have a responsibility of these caretakers that balance work and family. Not only because they are employed by their organizations but because they have the responsibility to give them more flexible hours.
blog33
The first experience that I had about women issues was a class that I took in the political science department called Women in Politics and film.I had never really question the differences that existed upon women in politics or in the field of law until I encounter my sophomore year in ASU by taking this class. The notion of women running for office was discussed as well and how they lack support but all of this change 3 years later when Sarah Palin and Hilary Clinton were running for office. When I found out these two women were running I found it very exciting. In the course material the notion of the glass ceiling was broken by Palin and Clinton. A theory or idea that I studied just a few years that seem far away from the future had been broken by these two women. The class portrayed how women started to get involved in politics and have evolved and as of now I am happy that not only women are breaking the barriers that have exited but by Palin and Clinton breaking this ceiling glass it only shows that as a society we are becoming a bit more accepting and women are being empowered to take even challenges that seemed to be impossible to conquer. Although our society is open to women achieving their maximum potential at times comments and the way we interrogate women’s abilities compared to men make it at times hard to believe that there is still a need of progress. Like comments done about Sotomayor before and after taking office. Her ability was question regardless of her extensive experience in law. Sotomayor has not been put up in pedestal and praised instead she is called too tough and bitchy because she can control her courtroom. Women should not have to be judge at all, instead we should look at their abilities.
cont.Blog 32
Not only the styles of parenting different for mother lawyers then father lawyers, fist of all they are seen as suspect parents as if they could or not able to be self sufficient parents. The roles of a traditional mother also impact the way they parent not only are their careers in a way at hold when they get home by doing laundry, chores, and picking their kids from work but also the authority they have is questioned. Mother lawyers should not be so different in parenting styles but due to the patriarchal identity that is over abundant it affects the way mothers parent.
blog 32
Parenting differs greatly between men and women lawyers. The way a father parents is quite different then how a mother parents regardless of the profession they have in my opinion. There are some characteristics that overflow of a mother as being kind nurturing, protecting, loving unconditionally, while the father is more of a figure of respect and a solidarity love that is stable.
As for women lawyers, in specifics, they might be critized by other because they might be too busy and consumed with work and not pay attention their kids or family. The portrayal of mothers that are lawyers might take away the aspect of being a good mother because they are seen first as a powerful lawyer then a mother. This might be very conflicting at home as well because her kids might also see her that way. They might feel abandon or not the top priority of their mother due to her stress level.
As for women lawyers, in specifics, they might be critized by other because they might be too busy and consumed with work and not pay attention their kids or family. The portrayal of mothers that are lawyers might take away the aspect of being a good mother because they are seen first as a powerful lawyer then a mother. This might be very conflicting at home as well because her kids might also see her that way. They might feel abandon or not the top priority of their mother due to her stress level.
blog 31
The legal profession is very consuming. Not only are lawyers scrutinized by issues of gender but the spend a lot of time studying in case briefs but in preparing for any type of legal issue or case. Which is why at times many a lot of individuals do not even consider going into law school because they know they will be pressured to do so much and have still a lot of responsibilities at home.
Juggling work and family can become very hectic. Not only is stress highly increased by not having enough of of days off but it puts the priority on the job and not the family. Women are then at risk of considering their job most important then the other areas of their daily life. Companies need to support their employees by addressing issues of childcare and vacations and although some companies do have babysitting or child care services but at times are limited. It is essential that in this profession and in all professions employers should help mothers not only for their performance to be better but for the quality of life they have. There is a need of conscious when dealing with family and work in the legal profession. Some of the restraints for having a more solutions for women in this profession might be the cost restriction or the lack of acceptance that women are in the field and they need to be accommodated because the truly make an impact in the company.
Juggling work and family can become very hectic. Not only is stress highly increased by not having enough of of days off but it puts the priority on the job and not the family. Women are then at risk of considering their job most important then the other areas of their daily life. Companies need to support their employees by addressing issues of childcare and vacations and although some companies do have babysitting or child care services but at times are limited. It is essential that in this profession and in all professions employers should help mothers not only for their performance to be better but for the quality of life they have. There is a need of conscious when dealing with family and work in the legal profession. Some of the restraints for having a more solutions for women in this profession might be the cost restriction or the lack of acceptance that women are in the field and they need to be accommodated because the truly make an impact in the company.
blog 29
There is a specific destinction between minority women and white women lawyers. White women deal with trying to adapt to place that they are not normally working at while minority women are struggling to get away from the mistreatment. Part of this also touches upon Sotomayor. White women have to battle with being different as law is nontraditional for females. Minorities have to deal with the different treatment as a female, but also the difference of being a minority includes constant negativity.Sotomayor was viewed negatively due to her ethnicity.
According to the readings the percentage for women in this field is low, but for minority women is even lower at four percent.
Minority women not only have to deal with discrimination of gender but also discrimination against ethnicity. Women are in a constant battle dealing issues of injustice by just accepting these institutionalized inequalities.
The NPR assigned the stereotypes of male professionals assuming that an African American female is automatically assumed to be a secretary, and that they have to deal with the looks on the faces of successful men when a women of color carriers themselves in a way that shows they are in charge. During the interview the lawyer stated that dealing with the biases and stereotypes really wasn’t worth it, especially considering the amount of hours. So the answer really is that it’s not worth it for them to stick around. The interviewee also stated that companies that really value diversity make strong efforts to retain and recruit a diverse organization.
According to the readings the percentage for women in this field is low, but for minority women is even lower at four percent.
Minority women not only have to deal with discrimination of gender but also discrimination against ethnicity. Women are in a constant battle dealing issues of injustice by just accepting these institutionalized inequalities.
The NPR assigned the stereotypes of male professionals assuming that an African American female is automatically assumed to be a secretary, and that they have to deal with the looks on the faces of successful men when a women of color carriers themselves in a way that shows they are in charge. During the interview the lawyer stated that dealing with the biases and stereotypes really wasn’t worth it, especially considering the amount of hours. So the answer really is that it’s not worth it for them to stick around. The interviewee also stated that companies that really value diversity make strong efforts to retain and recruit a diverse organization.
Sotomayor
• Sonia Sotomayor's capacities have been question ever since she was nominated as a supreme court judge. It is just so aggravating that she is put under a microscope to see whether she is capable or not. I believe if President Obama reflected upon her experience and legal background and dedication then we should look upon that as well. She should not be just gendered but insulted in some way as a "fiery Latina tempest waiting to knife and brutalize lawyers in the court room" and just depicted as one a women then a "brutal Latina". The short clip that presented some really bad arguments and decisions from previous men judges of the supreme court are just simply a call to arrogance because not only were they completely wrong in their answers but weer way of reasoning. If Sotomayor had done comments that not only stated what these judges said she would have been murdered by the media and criticized by all. It is just unfair that a very well prepared person has to make herself credible when she is in th first place. Not only she has had to over come obstacles coming from the Broxs’ projects but earning a summa cum laude from Yale Law. People does this not say anything, and not to mention a rigorous law background and service. Sotomayor serves as an example of how dedication is needed more and more by women but she is also a symbol of the inequalities that continue to exist. Issues like these should become more public not the lack of a judge but the ignorance that continues to flow due to the lack of acceptance of women in any type of prestigious positions.
blog 27
There is without a doubt a continual existence of a competency gap among men and women lawyers. Some of the experiences that women lawyers face due to their gender in this dominated area of profession by men consist of women continually get denied any promotions, salary wages and are seen as vulnerable and the need of being taken care of just due to their gender. A specific case is talked about in the GE case that wants to be taken to court. A very prominent and intelligent women is suing the company due to the continual competency role the corporation is taking place by not higher women to higher positions that they have. Although she may have all of the qualifications it is reasonable for corporations that are gendered to think that women might not be able to handle it so they will take it out of their hands without asking ,without, giving women an option. I find these really disturbing. I had thought that issues of justice like these were way back in the century and the reality is that they really are happing. Women present all aspects of good qualities but due to how they have been constructed by the media and a patriarchal society. Many are proud when they do achieve something important but for many men or corporations they just see it as something they could or are capable of doing. It is unfortunate that women are still oppressed by institutions that re suppose to work for the well being of all regardless of gender. The worst fact that i found out from the readings is that other male lawyers try to humiliate to some existence so women are seen not credible due to their gender in a courtroom. It is necessary to address these issues not to get tempered up but so they can be examined and changed
blog 26
In order to discuss further on how males play in assisting women lagers it is necessary to address that the reason that this assisting by senior partners assisting women lawyers is happing is due to a gendered organization.Gendered organization are simply means that the practice of law is a male dominated and therefore women are continuing to struggle to show their abilities. In my belief it seems that due to long existence of male lawyers there will be a constant belief to think that women lawyers are not capable enough to get the job done. The belief might be like in almost all of the jobs or careers were anyone is under stress some might say "women are too emotional" or the patriarchy notion come out to portray an ugly reality that is lived by so many hardworking and dedicated lawyers that just happened to be women. The overall belief that due to the time frame that men have been in the field makes them feel as they can do the job better but is easy to say that it is increasing. Although there are still inequalities in wages (1,044/wk compared to 1,800/wk for men) it is without a doubt an increasingly number of women getting into this field but once again until the view of women do not change and institutions themselves change their gendered agenda women will not be achieve their potential that they are really capable of doing by themselves. I guess there is still a need to accept the reality in which we are living that women are not any longer living in the decades of being a housewife they are become more and more active in the job force and especially in non traditional job and careers. Men simply need to learn this as well as the inquisitions they form in order for even more greater thing may occur in the field of law. So when another supreme court justice is a women her capacities should not be questioned but respected.
blog 25
It is necessary to explore the reality that is at times hindered when playing sexualized behavior as the weapon in the arsenal. Using sexualized behavior whether good or for bad has various consequences. For example if a lawyer is trying to be flirtatious with a lawyer in the firm that can cause them to believe that they want something other then a professional relationship and not only that the women lawyer might get what she wants from him, but if this continues on a con could be that the lawyer might take advantage of the situation and in a way manipulate the women lawyer. Another positive could be that the flirtatious and charismatic relationship can develop more networking but then again the down fall is that this women lawyer might be seen for her capacities but for her physical or other provocative behavior. In the media this is somewhat seen. Women in the media especially if they are working in courts,law,or other cold case tv shows are depicted as being not manly but provocative in their uniforms or are rarely shown as geeky or conservative. One example I can think of is the legally blonde that will be an extreme example of these "types" of lawyers, not only is she a fashionista going out of the norm but also harassed for being a bit to revealing. Overall using the sexialized behavior as a weapon of arsenal is not a positive in my belief it brings more negatives to other lawyers, maybe not directly to the individual acting out this behavior but it certainly does affect those that are working in the field. One makes all look bad. It is why it is necessary to make this behavior unacceptable either for men or women. The media is without a doubt a bit responsible for these scenes in reality not only they imply these situations but in a way suggest that all women lawyers are capable of acting these behaviors.
blog 24
I have decided to do a short interview email to a very good friend of mine,Dulce. Dulce and i met a while back when i was still in High School. I attended her youth group ministry in which she was a youth minister I knew she was in ASU but i did not really know what she was majoring or anything. Just a recent years ago in 2007 she graduated with a major in Politcal Science and Mathematics. I have really admired her not just due to her spirituality but her hard work and professionalism. She has been in very prestigious interns such as interning for the Senator Janet Napolitano as well as working with legislature and representatives such as Ed Pastor, Congressman Gutierrez,Congressman Grijalva. She is now pursuing her JD from ASU-Law. She tells me that she has loved the experience that she has had although it has been difficult and challenging. She feels that she has meet wonderful people of all sorts of backgrounds. As a law student she has still focused her energy in overachieving all obstacles set on her. It is typical that she has been told or scared off to go to law school but her support of her parents and friends have made her continue her work. Not only is she a scholar and has been awarded various scholarships already for the next semesters but issues of inequalities have not surge up yet and she believes they wont.
I continue to admire this women in this particular non traditional area of study. Not only has she overcome barriers but she has ultimate shown that hard work and dedication go beyond feeling victimized instead with her hard work she has achieved many great things and i am certain that she will become one of those influential womens in Arizona.
I continue to admire this women in this particular non traditional area of study. Not only has she overcome barriers but she has ultimate shown that hard work and dedication go beyond feeling victimized instead with her hard work she has achieved many great things and i am certain that she will become one of those influential womens in Arizona.
blog 23
Fashion and politics are a very intriguing topic to talk about. Not only is fashion important for models and celebrities but it is important for lawyers(women) and those that have a prestigious position in law or the court. Women are more critized by their clothing then men in all aspects of their work or profession. In the readings as well in the powerpoint presentation presented by Dr.Romero, it show findings about how women tend to wear more traditional clothing as well as non revealing. Even though the readings suggests that if one is attractable there are findings that those that are tend to be the ones are more acceptable the other side is that they are scrutinized for it as well by other colleagues and ultimately affect their work or reputation. One of the most prominent figures in our era has been the first Lady Michelle Obama. She has not only revolutionized the way the traditional eye should look at a first lady but has changed the whole perspective of women, work and professional attire. I do not find it at all improper to see Michelle Obama wearing colorful outfits but maybe it was due that she was portrayed more as a celebrity then a lawyer or first lady. Without mentioning the investment that she has made in clothing that has not been at all inexpensive. The whole notion of representing the government makes everything around a person very formal and especially clothing. I think it is a reality that everyone is a bit scared to portray their sense of style in professional settings not only is out of the norm but it presents a lot of boundaries that still need to be examined as staying modest and professional. Overall I would conclude by stating that clothing should not define the individual but unfortunately it really does. The more it is spend on clothing it seems as the person is more credible. Clothing can be seen as a distraction and inequality. Not only is clothing making a statement of power but of what might not be true but suggested as having more credibility if a particular clothing or accessory is worn.
blog 22
Sotomayor the newbie of 54 years old that sworn into office as the second women to supreme court and first Hispanic in the Supreme court. In the article done by CNN (a short documentary)on this figure that has taken the role of the newly appointed supreme court judge by President Obama. This Supreme Court Judge is not only praised for her gender in relation to the position she is to take but also her ethnicity and background. I found the idea of Sonia Sotomayor being the first Hispanic women in the position she was given very uplifting but it also brought a sweet and bitter some taste. Not only was she being criticized harshly on being weak and racist and that maybe due to their minority group relation she might not be just. I found all of these comments done in the news very a paling but significantly offensive. Here is a woman that is another candidate for the Supreme Court judge and before even sworn into office she is already being criticized. Once in office (August) she is still questioned of her capacities as if just being a minority she did not have to work as hard to be in the position she is in. She did not only graduate in the top of her class from Princeton but she went on to law school in Yale Law. It seems as the article states how Sotomayor being a minority is entitled to take notice on those that are the minority workers as well, the article states that Sotomayor is humble and notices everyone in the court from the janitors to the court clerks. I find it empowering that Sotomayor is in the position she is. As a women and a minority there a very few positions filled by those that I constantly are around me however I disagree that the focus in Sotomayor are her ethnicity and gender as if inly those were the roles that got her in the position she is in now.
Friday, November 13, 2009
blog 15
The first women’s prison was the Mount Pleasant Prison and it opened in 1839. However,most women were sent to halfway houses, society believed that women were not violent and just had to in some way be punished.
In this blog it is asked to compare some of the prisons in Arizona. Fort Grant was actually Army Calvary.According to the website “William H. Bonney (AKA Billy the Kid) allegedly killed a man at this frontier outpost in a fight.”Which have some type of precident that this land was ment to imprison those that did not obey the law. In the article it stated that “Arizona State Legislature passed a bill making the Fort Grant State Industrial School a part of the State's Department of Corrections“ which later became an adult male prison.
The second prison was in Florence. The website state that “Inmates built the prison and lived in tents scattered about the desert during the time it was under construction” In part this sound familiar to our county (tent city). What was unique about this prison is that it had no dungeon, no solitary confinement and no snake hole. However it did consist of a death chamber. Now it is by choice if a inmate was sentenced to death row they have the option of choosing lethal injection or lethal gas.
Now that I have shared a great deal of history I want to go back to discussing more about what is pertinent for us as of now. Women inmates. The website stated that women were not inprison but just reformed the idea of “acceptable female behavior” is the key word throughout the reformatories. Women were not seen as criminals they were there to change the attitude they had and were their to rehabilitate rather than pay for a crime.This ideology was part of what is commonly referred to as separate spheres doctrine and as Britton mentions in the book, “see’s middle-class white women as inherently gentler and more virtuous than men (57). This ideology not only affects inmate women but also the process of higher female correctional officers. Although it is apperent that this field of work in in demand also is the demand for workers which at time causes controversy because men continue to be hired more in these positions more than women at times due to the physical requirements. It is changing however, I know a lot of close friends (men) that suggested to me to get into the correction system due to the pay and benefits.
Britton also discusses the availability how helpful opening some of these positions to women especially to single mothers who were looking for regular hours, job stability, and health care benefits. As a mother that supports her son I did not think twice of the idea of getting into the career as a correction officer but then again I thought about the dangers as well. Over all there is still an idea that prisons are brutally aggressive and dangerous but as I talked to a my sons godfather he told me that at times women are more respected although at times he would not suggest some women to get into the career not because they are women but due to the hours at times there is not a lot of time to spend time with their children.
In this blog it is asked to compare some of the prisons in Arizona. Fort Grant was actually Army Calvary.According to the website “William H. Bonney (AKA Billy the Kid) allegedly killed a man at this frontier outpost in a fight.”Which have some type of precident that this land was ment to imprison those that did not obey the law. In the article it stated that “Arizona State Legislature passed a bill making the Fort Grant State Industrial School a part of the State's Department of Corrections“ which later became an adult male prison.
The second prison was in Florence. The website state that “Inmates built the prison and lived in tents scattered about the desert during the time it was under construction” In part this sound familiar to our county (tent city). What was unique about this prison is that it had no dungeon, no solitary confinement and no snake hole. However it did consist of a death chamber. Now it is by choice if a inmate was sentenced to death row they have the option of choosing lethal injection or lethal gas.
Now that I have shared a great deal of history I want to go back to discussing more about what is pertinent for us as of now. Women inmates. The website stated that women were not inprison but just reformed the idea of “acceptable female behavior” is the key word throughout the reformatories. Women were not seen as criminals they were there to change the attitude they had and were their to rehabilitate rather than pay for a crime.This ideology was part of what is commonly referred to as separate spheres doctrine and as Britton mentions in the book, “see’s middle-class white women as inherently gentler and more virtuous than men (57). This ideology not only affects inmate women but also the process of higher female correctional officers. Although it is apperent that this field of work in in demand also is the demand for workers which at time causes controversy because men continue to be hired more in these positions more than women at times due to the physical requirements. It is changing however, I know a lot of close friends (men) that suggested to me to get into the correction system due to the pay and benefits.
Britton also discusses the availability how helpful opening some of these positions to women especially to single mothers who were looking for regular hours, job stability, and health care benefits. As a mother that supports her son I did not think twice of the idea of getting into the career as a correction officer but then again I thought about the dangers as well. Over all there is still an idea that prisons are brutally aggressive and dangerous but as I talked to a my sons godfather he told me that at times women are more respected although at times he would not suggest some women to get into the career not because they are women but due to the hours at times there is not a lot of time to spend time with their children.
BLOG 14
Britton starts to by describing the differences in roles of Correctional officers and how they appear between men and women workers. Britton touches the issue by researching why occupational segregation is persistent, why women concentrated jobs pay less, and what keeps women at the bottom of the ladder. Some of the reasons are the structures of work organizations, ideological functions that shape them, and the agencies of the workers themselves. Britton states that these factors are the reason organizations become gendered. Britton stress that there is a need to first acknowledge that there is a problem with organizations being gendered and there is a need to acknowledge them first and then move on to the next step. It is necessary to first analyze the home then the world. Micro then Macro levels.
All of the three reasons are interlinked and I will try to address each of them. The organizational structure first of all involves policies, procedures, and general configuration of an organization, which also includes laws it is at times unnoticeable because at times we do not realize that it is there. An example used in the book was regarding the a woman interviewed for a counselor in Alabama however was denied due to her height and weight. It happens at times in police applications as well. Not too long a go I was talking to a friend and she described to me that if you are a women trying to get in the police force there are certain things that you do differently then men in the application process such as the physical. The structure automatically would have prevented women from even attempting to get the job due to the physical restrictions.
One of the biggest barriers that continue to make jobs or careers gendered I believe is crucial is the cultural and ideological assumptions that shape women. Britton uses military movies and the term, “a place where boys are turned into me.” Movies now a days make reference to this saying, influencing the culture and the ideal women. Movies or the media constantly depict women as beautiful dependent on men and with some type of diva or delicate person not to mention sexuality is always highlighted. The third aspect is agency. Agency deals with interactions that imply gender inequalities. Britton states that these are at times unintentional but so engrained in our atmosphere. I can remember when I started dating my husband his parents would tell my husbands little brother, “no llores los ninos no lloran” : Don’t cry boys don’t cry or even my husband has told my son don’t cry don’t be a girl, which of course I have had to intervene. Especially in my culture I have see these three factors work together. As I got married there were certain things that my in-laws were expecting more of me as a women. I did not know how to cook and I dedicate more of time to studying and work I somewhat depend on my husband to help me with my time and getting things done. They often at times indirectly mention what my sister in law does which is more the typical role they expected of me like staying home and just taking care of her daughter or when her husband comes she has food served in the table. Although I would love to stay at home all day everyday with my son I am still working toward a profession and the life that I have is hectic and busy. Unlike my sister in law I work and have an intern. I depend to some point on my husband although I try to cook dinner now that I have learned to cook I tend to have time to cook dinner but then right after I am done I have to leave to work so I do not even enjoy the meal with my son or husband. Remarks that at times my in laws make not only build up the ideologies expected of women but continue to feed into gender segregation both intentionally and unintentionally. When Britton says “organizations are gendered at the level of structure,” she means that how organizations are structure can influence gender segregation, and the amount of it. Obviously, as discussed above, the way an organization and society is structured can minimize the amount of segregation.
Most of the times we are still following structures that were created when discrimination was socially accepted, we continue to reproduce and produce discriminatory behaviors. If organizations were designed or redesigned without gender being a factor, then the structure would be at a level where gender wouldn’t be as much of a factor in the organization. As society has progressed that has included the socialization of jobs, of men, and of society all together. These reflect on the history of labor by having socializing jobs for men without having to worry about them missing work because of physical effects of pregnancy or child birth which at times make women become somewhat liable because they can become pregnant or have to go to the doctor due to their children getting sick. Although, laws have been created to change the way women work or the rights they have there is still a huge demand to change the way we set up women in certain jobs. There is need to destroy current notions of what is acceptable for a women to do and what is not acceptable. Women should be free from all suppression of anything that categories them especially professional aspirations.
All of the three reasons are interlinked and I will try to address each of them. The organizational structure first of all involves policies, procedures, and general configuration of an organization, which also includes laws it is at times unnoticeable because at times we do not realize that it is there. An example used in the book was regarding the a woman interviewed for a counselor in Alabama however was denied due to her height and weight. It happens at times in police applications as well. Not too long a go I was talking to a friend and she described to me that if you are a women trying to get in the police force there are certain things that you do differently then men in the application process such as the physical. The structure automatically would have prevented women from even attempting to get the job due to the physical restrictions.
One of the biggest barriers that continue to make jobs or careers gendered I believe is crucial is the cultural and ideological assumptions that shape women. Britton uses military movies and the term, “a place where boys are turned into me.” Movies now a days make reference to this saying, influencing the culture and the ideal women. Movies or the media constantly depict women as beautiful dependent on men and with some type of diva or delicate person not to mention sexuality is always highlighted. The third aspect is agency. Agency deals with interactions that imply gender inequalities. Britton states that these are at times unintentional but so engrained in our atmosphere. I can remember when I started dating my husband his parents would tell my husbands little brother, “no llores los ninos no lloran” : Don’t cry boys don’t cry or even my husband has told my son don’t cry don’t be a girl, which of course I have had to intervene. Especially in my culture I have see these three factors work together. As I got married there were certain things that my in-laws were expecting more of me as a women. I did not know how to cook and I dedicate more of time to studying and work I somewhat depend on my husband to help me with my time and getting things done. They often at times indirectly mention what my sister in law does which is more the typical role they expected of me like staying home and just taking care of her daughter or when her husband comes she has food served in the table. Although I would love to stay at home all day everyday with my son I am still working toward a profession and the life that I have is hectic and busy. Unlike my sister in law I work and have an intern. I depend to some point on my husband although I try to cook dinner now that I have learned to cook I tend to have time to cook dinner but then right after I am done I have to leave to work so I do not even enjoy the meal with my son or husband. Remarks that at times my in laws make not only build up the ideologies expected of women but continue to feed into gender segregation both intentionally and unintentionally. When Britton says “organizations are gendered at the level of structure,” she means that how organizations are structure can influence gender segregation, and the amount of it. Obviously, as discussed above, the way an organization and society is structured can minimize the amount of segregation.
Most of the times we are still following structures that were created when discrimination was socially accepted, we continue to reproduce and produce discriminatory behaviors. If organizations were designed or redesigned without gender being a factor, then the structure would be at a level where gender wouldn’t be as much of a factor in the organization. As society has progressed that has included the socialization of jobs, of men, and of society all together. These reflect on the history of labor by having socializing jobs for men without having to worry about them missing work because of physical effects of pregnancy or child birth which at times make women become somewhat liable because they can become pregnant or have to go to the doctor due to their children getting sick. Although, laws have been created to change the way women work or the rights they have there is still a huge demand to change the way we set up women in certain jobs. There is need to destroy current notions of what is acceptable for a women to do and what is not acceptable. Women should be free from all suppression of anything that categories them especially professional aspirations.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
the media and women CO's and Cops...
According to Britton when we think of a prison we often think of a well fitted men in a uniform caring a flashlight or a light it is often dark or dangerous but we never tend to picture a women in prison as a Correctional Officers. This is prevalent in our media. We often see women in more law related films and shows in courtrooms are lawyers but not as correctional officers or police officers and if there are any they are often less feminine and with a very build body physic.
In the media there is often no signs of women working with men in the same field. If womens are working in a prison facility they are often no men correctional officers with them and if so they are in need of their help.
The images of women in these positions are typically negative because they are based on the norms of white femininity. In the video the her husband doubted her abilities because he felt that she wouldn’t be able to withstand the physical aspect of the job because she is a woman. The promotional video in a way did the same thing by putting a negative light on traditional women’s work . They described the characteristics of non-traditional jobs as being “exciting” versus the daily roles women are sometimes forced to take. It also seems as women have to "learn" about non-traditional jobs implying that traditional women's work requires no “learning”.
Female correction officers often have to make a choice whether they want to adapt to male-defined requisites to be successful and forgo their “femininity or go against the male-defined roles and risk their success within the norms of the organization. Male officers don’t have to deal with what image they want to portray.
In order to stop this negative aspect of women working in prison the media should portray more life stories about women correctional officers instead of de-feminizing them. Reality T.V shows in a way are more popular and it seems that it takes viewers with another perspective if they see its real and its not just actors. The one show I can think of is Women Cops four women’s lives are recorded as well on the job in which most of them work for a sheriffs department. The women show what they go through as well as how they are in their intimacy of their home. More media should portray women in a positive way rather than in the traditional view in order to at least change the media of the way it thinks of women.
In the media there is often no signs of women working with men in the same field. If womens are working in a prison facility they are often no men correctional officers with them and if so they are in need of their help.
The images of women in these positions are typically negative because they are based on the norms of white femininity. In the video the her husband doubted her abilities because he felt that she wouldn’t be able to withstand the physical aspect of the job because she is a woman. The promotional video in a way did the same thing by putting a negative light on traditional women’s work . They described the characteristics of non-traditional jobs as being “exciting” versus the daily roles women are sometimes forced to take. It also seems as women have to "learn" about non-traditional jobs implying that traditional women's work requires no “learning”.
Female correction officers often have to make a choice whether they want to adapt to male-defined requisites to be successful and forgo their “femininity or go against the male-defined roles and risk their success within the norms of the organization. Male officers don’t have to deal with what image they want to portray.
In order to stop this negative aspect of women working in prison the media should portray more life stories about women correctional officers instead of de-feminizing them. Reality T.V shows in a way are more popular and it seems that it takes viewers with another perspective if they see its real and its not just actors. The one show I can think of is Women Cops four women’s lives are recorded as well on the job in which most of them work for a sheriffs department. The women show what they go through as well as how they are in their intimacy of their home. More media should portray women in a positive way rather than in the traditional view in order to at least change the media of the way it thinks of women.
occupational segregation
Occupational segregation incredibly is still prevalent in the United States despite the laws against sex discrimination although everyone is welcome to work in a non traditional job it seems there is a hidden notion of segregation when looking for a job. There are a lot of assumptions. I personally had to deal with this a while back when I was looking for a n internship position. I just can not forget that interview it made me realize that a lot of us still presume roles for women. In the interview the person interviewing me asked me so are you planning on going to law school? I said no I actually want to be part of the DEA. He made a very unsuspected facial expression and moved on to the other question. I somewhat felt offended as if due to my gender I could not handle my aspirations. That was a couple of years back. Now a bit more mature this does not get me sad it actually he work force the text specifies this a bit more clearly by stating that “ …structure of work organizations are based on the internal stratification of institutions which usually place women in the lowest rung of the occupational ladder” (Britton, p 5) One of the greates examples that I could think of is the film North Country. The character had a job of washing hair in a local salon but was never going to be financially dependent until she worked in a non traditional job by working in the mines. However, this just caused choas and everyone believed she did not belong there due to her gender and the job that she would get even worst the pay. The text also highlights that “…the presumptions build in most jobs shape women’s path to sex segregated jobs” and adds on to state that women are often put between the blade to either choose family and work rather than include both in their lives.
Some of the advantages that women gain by breaking into male dominated occupations, according to the state that opportunities are endless since there aren't many women in the field and gives women even more motivation to join. One of the best examples of the positives of women working in non traditional jobs is the woman in the Beyond the Blue video says that there are some advantages of being the only woman on the SWAT team was that she paved the way for other women to join the quad if they chose to do so in the future. I can also recall a profesor that once said that at times when women being arrested tried to cry themselves away from getting a ticket women cops would sort of cut that out and they would try to cry themselves out of the situation.
The physical aspect has been one of my major concerns for many women joining these types of careers and even an obstacle and even a threat in the eyes of men. The cultural ideology that men at times have of women being more dependent on them physically leaves a strange view when women are tackling down a guy to arrest him or knocking out doors. When this is seen then men are criticized especially if they are married to a women cop. Like in the video the couple often were ridiculed by other officers asking who wore the pants.
I personally think both gain from women entering non traditional or occupational careers or job. Women are different from men and the truth of the matter is that both need each other especially because both deal with either other men or women. What some women are good at men can not be and vice verse there are just some things that at times we as women can do that men cant both can try both at times is cant be which is why we both need of each other.
Some of the advantages that women gain by breaking into male dominated occupations, according to the state that opportunities are endless since there aren't many women in the field and gives women even more motivation to join. One of the best examples of the positives of women working in non traditional jobs is the woman in the Beyond the Blue video says that there are some advantages of being the only woman on the SWAT team was that she paved the way for other women to join the quad if they chose to do so in the future. I can also recall a profesor that once said that at times when women being arrested tried to cry themselves away from getting a ticket women cops would sort of cut that out and they would try to cry themselves out of the situation.
The physical aspect has been one of my major concerns for many women joining these types of careers and even an obstacle and even a threat in the eyes of men. The cultural ideology that men at times have of women being more dependent on them physically leaves a strange view when women are tackling down a guy to arrest him or knocking out doors. When this is seen then men are criticized especially if they are married to a women cop. Like in the video the couple often were ridiculed by other officers asking who wore the pants.
I personally think both gain from women entering non traditional or occupational careers or job. Women are different from men and the truth of the matter is that both need each other especially because both deal with either other men or women. What some women are good at men can not be and vice verse there are just some things that at times we as women can do that men cant both can try both at times is cant be which is why we both need of each other.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
BLOG 11
I actually had the perfect movie for this blog but unfortunetly is not a women but a men, The pursuit of Happiness, however as I reflected a bit more I realized that North Country is the perfect match to the discussion of poverty and urban poverty. The main character which is played by Charlize Theron plays a working mother that strives to survive in a "man" job and is willing to do anything to stick to her job due to the fact that is the only means of support she has. Everyone takes advantage of her due to her not wanting to refuse the only income she has. Through her struggles she is constantly accused of being "white trash" and is a dilema of what to get her kids even if she does not have as much money as she wishes she had.Throughout the movie there are seen that you just wish to be there and comfort her but there is nothing to do. The main character also deals with issues of not getting out of being poor regardless of the money she earns/saves. It seems as if there is no way change the situation she is in.
It is important to emphasize in the cycle that is discussed in Chaundry and in the videos. Trying to live paycheck by paycheck is another issue in the film. Not havings support from co-workers not only makes it harder but it also makes it imposible to at least try to accept all the difficulties there are. This film is an example that although you work it really does not mean that you can have the necessities as the “hole in the pocket” video stated you will end up in more debt trying to get out of poverty. Which is why that all movies related to issues of women and work relate to either being abused or harassed or being sought to be women that end up marrying rich and there goes a happy ending for example Maid in Manhattan by Jennifer Lopez, she is in a way forced to become a maid at a hotel in order to support her daughter and mother, but one day she meets prince charming and everything changes. The reality is quite the opposite. Women need the support of others and society. There is a need to depict the social responsibility we have to help the poor and especially the poor children.
It is important to emphasize in the cycle that is discussed in Chaundry and in the videos. Trying to live paycheck by paycheck is another issue in the film. Not havings support from co-workers not only makes it harder but it also makes it imposible to at least try to accept all the difficulties there are. This film is an example that although you work it really does not mean that you can have the necessities as the “hole in the pocket” video stated you will end up in more debt trying to get out of poverty. Which is why that all movies related to issues of women and work relate to either being abused or harassed or being sought to be women that end up marrying rich and there goes a happy ending for example Maid in Manhattan by Jennifer Lopez, she is in a way forced to become a maid at a hotel in order to support her daughter and mother, but one day she meets prince charming and everything changes. The reality is quite the opposite. Women need the support of others and society. There is a need to depict the social responsibility we have to help the poor and especially the poor children.
blog 10
One of the most significant pieces of legislation that affected working low income or poor mothers was passed in 1996 by President Bill Clinton, which was the Welfare Reform, known as well as the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996 . The program no longer consisted in just getting help those that inquire the help had work or start working after the two years of help.There was a set of limit put as well of 5 years for federally paid benefits. Although the intentions were in a way good there was not a looking telescope to see beyond the struggles that would bring these recipients. The lack of planning in my opinion from the government put a larger strain in the poverty percentage in the United States.
Chanudry's book states that mothers had to adapt to the new "rules".Women had to accept these rules and not only accept these rules but also find ways to adapt to them. Chaundry discusses that “mother spend and inordinate amount of time locating affordable and accessible child care..” Mothers also spend time trying to manage the home, and finding ways of transportation. Chaundry says that the way mother that were in welfare,their image, has changed. “Mothers adapted their changing strategies to the changing context of their work” (Chaundry,179) Al l of the cases explored had a relation with child care and the struggles that work came with. Many mother had struggles to either give more importance to something such as child care or work.
I often have to do the same. I have to choose the days that I can work because I know my husband can take care of my son. If I had no one then it would really difficult. The Reform Act seems as if is a legislation to see how the strongest fish in the water is. When it is suppose to provide more support and assistance. I understand the cost must be high of having a welfare program with out reformation, but then another issue arises. What really is causing poverty? There are greater issues to worry about than the cost to help women or men that are raising children in poverty. It seems as we are giving more value to the economic interests than to the humanitarian causes and interest. It is why is so important to reflect on the recommendations that Chaundry critiques and recommends that the Government should increase funding for children's programs and some sort of change in policy which takes into account single mothers in today's working world. Chaundry insistently makes a calling to society to help break barrier and the cycle of poverty which make cycles by making an easier way to cut these cycles by making things a less bit complicated not just for those receiving assistance but for those passing policy by coordinating ways in which anyone can come across programs that will help children. President Clinton tried but now after years have passed by and poverty increasing it is wise to say that there is a need not for a reform but for more programs that are to benefit not only working poor women but the community. It is necessary to also teach the community of these issues because if no one talks about them there might be lost. Someone in the community might be helpful and beneficial towards the betterment of society and the poor.
There is doubt that in order for mothers to work and be independent they need help not just financially but the major role being child care. “all eligible income families should be served equally without the added complications…”There really no need to complicate the lifes of those that need help in the first place. It is hard enough for some of them to ask for assistance but there are other that this reform has been a wakeup call to change their ways and become more responsible. Either way there is a need of a more sustainable type of care for the working poor. Chaundry in a way challenges the norm of just looking at the defects of the poor but actually making a call to do something about it because we are all responsible
Chanudry's book states that mothers had to adapt to the new "rules".Women had to accept these rules and not only accept these rules but also find ways to adapt to them. Chaundry discusses that “mother spend and inordinate amount of time locating affordable and accessible child care..” Mothers also spend time trying to manage the home, and finding ways of transportation. Chaundry says that the way mother that were in welfare,their image, has changed. “Mothers adapted their changing strategies to the changing context of their work” (Chaundry,179) Al l of the cases explored had a relation with child care and the struggles that work came with. Many mother had struggles to either give more importance to something such as child care or work.
I often have to do the same. I have to choose the days that I can work because I know my husband can take care of my son. If I had no one then it would really difficult. The Reform Act seems as if is a legislation to see how the strongest fish in the water is. When it is suppose to provide more support and assistance. I understand the cost must be high of having a welfare program with out reformation, but then another issue arises. What really is causing poverty? There are greater issues to worry about than the cost to help women or men that are raising children in poverty. It seems as we are giving more value to the economic interests than to the humanitarian causes and interest. It is why is so important to reflect on the recommendations that Chaundry critiques and recommends that the Government should increase funding for children's programs and some sort of change in policy which takes into account single mothers in today's working world. Chaundry insistently makes a calling to society to help break barrier and the cycle of poverty which make cycles by making an easier way to cut these cycles by making things a less bit complicated not just for those receiving assistance but for those passing policy by coordinating ways in which anyone can come across programs that will help children. President Clinton tried but now after years have passed by and poverty increasing it is wise to say that there is a need not for a reform but for more programs that are to benefit not only working poor women but the community. It is necessary to also teach the community of these issues because if no one talks about them there might be lost. Someone in the community might be helpful and beneficial towards the betterment of society and the poor.
There is doubt that in order for mothers to work and be independent they need help not just financially but the major role being child care. “all eligible income families should be served equally without the added complications…”There really no need to complicate the lifes of those that need help in the first place. It is hard enough for some of them to ask for assistance but there are other that this reform has been a wakeup call to change their ways and become more responsible. Either way there is a need of a more sustainable type of care for the working poor. Chaundry in a way challenges the norm of just looking at the defects of the poor but actually making a call to do something about it because we are all responsible
blog 9
In this blog I will try to discuss the relationship between the working poor womens condition and children in poverty. It is fairly easy to understand in my opinion. Those children that are born into a family that is poor tend to live in adversity and poverty. The lack of help or reform due by the government has not helped but put a strain in the working mothers of America. Instead of asking for aid or help in order to get any mother are now struggling to get little and maybe not the necessary to provide for their children.
The charts from the National Center for Children in Poverty demonstrated that children in America are the same as working poor women, a majority are black, Latino and American Indian and Asian; they are minorities. I was courious to know about children in poverty in Arizona and it was about the same characteristics except that native Americans being the highest then Hispanics, blacks, Asians and at the lastly whites making only 10 %. It was interesting to know some of the facts about children with immigrant parents whether they are documented or undocumented. Children are at a higher risk of being and continuing being poor. I guess some factors would be instability to keep a job due to language, legal status, or resource. I find this very interesting because this is another factor government should take a look at next time an immigration reform or anything of the sort is looked at these numbers should resonate 47% of our state and 26% nationally are poor children of immigrant parents.
Inadequacy in measurement is causing a huge impact on poor families. Due to the 1950s, families spend about a third of their income on food. This measure has become the grounds for measurement which frankly is past due date.
The solutions is to give tax credits to parents , raise minimum wage, and give parents sick days off as well as more benefits. The article states that “Policies such as earned income tax credits and regular increases in the minimum wage are critical to supporting income growth for low-wage workers. These workers also need access to benefits that higher-wage earners take for granted, such as health insurance and paid sick leave”. It is important that parents do not feel that they can not get sick or be with there sick children they should have some security at least in their jobs. The article also suggests to “Support parents and their young children”
The article goes on to say that“… children need nurturing families and quality early learning experiences. Investments in preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds are just as critical. High-quality early childhood experiences can go a long way toward closing the achievement gap between poor children and their more well-off peers”
Chaundry also suggest the same. There is a need of more support “We could replace welfare with more supports and opportunities for children…”. We just need to give importance to this issue and do something about it not just give help but ask more in return.
The charts from the National Center for Children in Poverty demonstrated that children in America are the same as working poor women, a majority are black, Latino and American Indian and Asian; they are minorities. I was courious to know about children in poverty in Arizona and it was about the same characteristics except that native Americans being the highest then Hispanics, blacks, Asians and at the lastly whites making only 10 %. It was interesting to know some of the facts about children with immigrant parents whether they are documented or undocumented. Children are at a higher risk of being and continuing being poor. I guess some factors would be instability to keep a job due to language, legal status, or resource. I find this very interesting because this is another factor government should take a look at next time an immigration reform or anything of the sort is looked at these numbers should resonate 47% of our state and 26% nationally are poor children of immigrant parents.
Inadequacy in measurement is causing a huge impact on poor families. Due to the 1950s, families spend about a third of their income on food. This measure has become the grounds for measurement which frankly is past due date.
The solutions is to give tax credits to parents , raise minimum wage, and give parents sick days off as well as more benefits. The article states that “Policies such as earned income tax credits and regular increases in the minimum wage are critical to supporting income growth for low-wage workers. These workers also need access to benefits that higher-wage earners take for granted, such as health insurance and paid sick leave”. It is important that parents do not feel that they can not get sick or be with there sick children they should have some security at least in their jobs. The article also suggests to “Support parents and their young children”
The article goes on to say that“… children need nurturing families and quality early learning experiences. Investments in preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds are just as critical. High-quality early childhood experiences can go a long way toward closing the achievement gap between poor children and their more well-off peers”
Chaundry also suggest the same. There is a need of more support “We could replace welfare with more supports and opportunities for children…”. We just need to give importance to this issue and do something about it not just give help but ask more in return.
blog 8
Urban poverty creates more depressing outcomes for children and their family living there. Urban poverty leads to joblessness that leads in particulary single mothers that will have to deal with all the obstacles of not having a desecent support partner and being in an environment that does not help them toward achieving any ideals. Urban poverty leads to a lesser quality of life and in some way no hope to make it better. It is not the fact that they (mothers,fathers) are not working had enough to provide good health care,education, etc to their children it is just they environment that does not help out either. Job flexibility is also a huge issue. A balance is somewhat drawn upon families. Father or mothers are ask to choose their job or going to pick up their sick children from school. If there sick (parents or children) they have to pay out of their pockets and lose days of work. There is really no security or ways of advancing towards a better future.
This issue hits home a bit more. I was raised in the bay area. In particulary Oakland,California. My parents were making good enough money to give me all that I needed. However the environment was not a very suitable place to grow up. I was fortunate I had the resources to actually go to schools that were a bit more competing than the ones in my neighboorhod. However I saw many of my friends from my neighboorhod struggle with everyday things. It was hard for me to see that. I sort of saw this when I could not go outside and play because I didn’t know if I could get shot by gangsters, I saw the drug use, prostitution and kids getting jumped close by home as well as being. My mother worried a lot. Although my father was making enough money for us to live with everything we needed, he still worried for our safety and it did become an issue at some point. I can really relate to the urban poverty. I really don’t think I had a childhood where I could go outside and play in order for my siblings to feel like we were somewhere pleasant to play my parents took my siblings and I out to San Francisco pier or to close by towns where it was “safer” to play with my siblings. One of the reasons we moved to Arizona was precisely the issue of safety and education. Transportation does get costly in the Bay Area as well as everything else. In order to go to good and safe schools I had to travel and I got home late. This was a bit nerve wrecking for my mother. Being a women and walking by myself it was just not something my mother wanted to deal with. My mother wanted the for us (all her kids) to get the best of my education as well of my other siblings which is why we moved. It was hard adapting but I know it was for the best. When I moved to Arizona on that week I found out that more than 85 teens from my neighborhood got killed due to being mistaken by other gang members or because they were selling drugs. Not to long ago this past Wednesday I just heard one of my friends from middle school got killed.Stories like these can go on. It is not that these people are bad. It is simple the environment that they live in. I tend to stop and think every time I hear someone that was once so close to me dies or gets killed. I can not imagine the future generations that are now growing up in urban poverty It seems as an issue of inequality and injustice that as a society we allow this to happen. That many children are living in poverty and we turn our heads away from them and from the lack of help these young individuals need as well as the support their parents need.
It is unjust to not offer any help. I think I have experienced wealth as well as poverty. My parents tried everything to keep me away from the suffering of poverty even though they had to live through it. My father an immigrant farm worker and later shifted to so many job positions juggling family and trying to learn a new language to bring more food to the table. My mother a hard working a woman that has battled to give her children a genuine encouragement to have aspirations and goals in life. As an adult however I have experienced in some way poverty. Trying to juggle school, and intern, and a part time job, and being a mother and wife. The only thing that keeps me going is that my child will not hopefully live through this poverty that I might be going through instead be in mixed income neighborhood due to my near graduation and hopefully more stable and dependable job.
Although I don’t worry as much any more this class has made me realize my moral obligation to change the way some are living. Especially those that are still living in urban poverty. My personal situation plays an exceptional role in my motivation to not just help myself get out of this cycle but I am now thinking of doing something with other women I personally know in order to break this sort of glass ceiling called urban poverty by setting up a day to help each other with basic needs or give each other information realted to family,education,job opportunities, and nutritional help, it is still in the making but hopefully it will hopefully prosper into something beneficial to some.
This issue hits home a bit more. I was raised in the bay area. In particulary Oakland,California. My parents were making good enough money to give me all that I needed. However the environment was not a very suitable place to grow up. I was fortunate I had the resources to actually go to schools that were a bit more competing than the ones in my neighboorhod. However I saw many of my friends from my neighboorhod struggle with everyday things. It was hard for me to see that. I sort of saw this when I could not go outside and play because I didn’t know if I could get shot by gangsters, I saw the drug use, prostitution and kids getting jumped close by home as well as being. My mother worried a lot. Although my father was making enough money for us to live with everything we needed, he still worried for our safety and it did become an issue at some point. I can really relate to the urban poverty. I really don’t think I had a childhood where I could go outside and play in order for my siblings to feel like we were somewhere pleasant to play my parents took my siblings and I out to San Francisco pier or to close by towns where it was “safer” to play with my siblings. One of the reasons we moved to Arizona was precisely the issue of safety and education. Transportation does get costly in the Bay Area as well as everything else. In order to go to good and safe schools I had to travel and I got home late. This was a bit nerve wrecking for my mother. Being a women and walking by myself it was just not something my mother wanted to deal with. My mother wanted the for us (all her kids) to get the best of my education as well of my other siblings which is why we moved. It was hard adapting but I know it was for the best. When I moved to Arizona on that week I found out that more than 85 teens from my neighborhood got killed due to being mistaken by other gang members or because they were selling drugs. Not to long ago this past Wednesday I just heard one of my friends from middle school got killed.Stories like these can go on. It is not that these people are bad. It is simple the environment that they live in. I tend to stop and think every time I hear someone that was once so close to me dies or gets killed. I can not imagine the future generations that are now growing up in urban poverty It seems as an issue of inequality and injustice that as a society we allow this to happen. That many children are living in poverty and we turn our heads away from them and from the lack of help these young individuals need as well as the support their parents need.
It is unjust to not offer any help. I think I have experienced wealth as well as poverty. My parents tried everything to keep me away from the suffering of poverty even though they had to live through it. My father an immigrant farm worker and later shifted to so many job positions juggling family and trying to learn a new language to bring more food to the table. My mother a hard working a woman that has battled to give her children a genuine encouragement to have aspirations and goals in life. As an adult however I have experienced in some way poverty. Trying to juggle school, and intern, and a part time job, and being a mother and wife. The only thing that keeps me going is that my child will not hopefully live through this poverty that I might be going through instead be in mixed income neighborhood due to my near graduation and hopefully more stable and dependable job.
Although I don’t worry as much any more this class has made me realize my moral obligation to change the way some are living. Especially those that are still living in urban poverty. My personal situation plays an exceptional role in my motivation to not just help myself get out of this cycle but I am now thinking of doing something with other women I personally know in order to break this sort of glass ceiling called urban poverty by setting up a day to help each other with basic needs or give each other information realted to family,education,job opportunities, and nutritional help, it is still in the making but hopefully it will hopefully prosper into something beneficial to some.
Blog 7
The story of Julia and and Jaqueline starts by letting the reader know their living experience. Jaqueline a mother of 3 and her new born baby girl Julia. She had been constantly changing from place to place from one shelter home to another. Always relaying on some type of assistance from food to shelter. She mentions that due to lack of information she did not do finger printing and lost her food assistance and went starving for almost months. Jaqueline stated that when she and her children were starving reality hit her and she wanted to do something with her life. So she went back to college. However time got tough after breaking up with her husband and she needed another job plus the internship she was doing. She had to drop out for a while form college to get to work and at the same time quit her job at a local burger joint or else she would loose her PA benefits. Trying to succeed she continued with her new internship but the help or for better words the lack of help she was getting from public assistance made her pay more that what she was suppose to in order for the provider to keep her in mind. The public assistant or how was in charge kept “messing up” She says. They would kept messing up the payments to the provider and pay them late or not at all.She then had to put some of her money into the child care assistance that was intentionally made to help her not give the little she made. She was later cut off all benefits because they found out she was working a bit more.
It is essential to understand that just because someone is getting paid minimum wage does not precisely mean they can make it above the mean. It simple means they can only have some resources available for them . Minimum wage jobs add to the poor working women ability to find and maintain stable child care and make a better living only deceitfulness. It is not just a salary to make it through the day but a salary to barely have the essentials. It only brings instability and not stability. It seems as if one works at minimum wage nothing really changes at least financially better yet it strains and incapacitates. If there was a salary increase it might work but as long as minimum wage exist it seems that we will all go about thinking that if one earns a little bit more than what minimum wage is someone might think that person can survive. Why would the government set a minimum wage if they have not research what is above poverty line and what type of wage would be the ideal wage to go above the poverty line..
The video “7 Days at the Minimum Wage” those being interviewed talked about having to work long hours or multiple jobs and feeling like they could never get ahead . The tone of their voce was just simple sad and depressing to hear that they were saying they really do not really on ever advancing. It is difficult to see these videos because one way or another I know someone in the same case and it just makes me realize that they will never overcome this glass ceiling and go beyond it. There really is a need for a typr of minimum wage reform or assistance to low income mothers other than imposing programs to go and work but also help them with everyday things they need.
It is essential to understand that just because someone is getting paid minimum wage does not precisely mean they can make it above the mean. It simple means they can only have some resources available for them . Minimum wage jobs add to the poor working women ability to find and maintain stable child care and make a better living only deceitfulness. It is not just a salary to make it through the day but a salary to barely have the essentials. It only brings instability and not stability. It seems as if one works at minimum wage nothing really changes at least financially better yet it strains and incapacitates. If there was a salary increase it might work but as long as minimum wage exist it seems that we will all go about thinking that if one earns a little bit more than what minimum wage is someone might think that person can survive. Why would the government set a minimum wage if they have not research what is above poverty line and what type of wage would be the ideal wage to go above the poverty line..
The video “7 Days at the Minimum Wage” those being interviewed talked about having to work long hours or multiple jobs and feeling like they could never get ahead . The tone of their voce was just simple sad and depressing to hear that they were saying they really do not really on ever advancing. It is difficult to see these videos because one way or another I know someone in the same case and it just makes me realize that they will never overcome this glass ceiling and go beyond it. There really is a need for a typr of minimum wage reform or assistance to low income mothers other than imposing programs to go and work but also help them with everyday things they need.
Blog 6
Chaundy presents various type child care choices working low income mothers use. Among the most popular are kin, household or center based, and family based care (pg45,34).In the second chapter of the book we are presented with the story of Brittany and Bethany. Chaundry states the she used a type of patch work care which is simply using a type of care at the time and then changing it when another resource is presented.Brittany first used Bethany’s uncle then his father. In order to save money or time to be with her daughter.
Some of the care options “were not ideal, however, in terms of these relatives’ commitment to being care providers, the location, or their long-term availability.” (Chaudry,35) I think however, that is more than just saving money or the hassle is more of need. These women work with what they have not because they are being picky. Although it may seem like it at first because of the many changes in child care but I know first hand that these mothers are trying their best to have some peace of mind when working for their children.
As a working mother and student it has been really helpful all the support that my parents have given me from the start. I did not have the resources to look for a child care facility to take care of my son. Growing up in a household in which my mother was a housewife I personally never experience the child care atmosphere. In the beginging I did think of getting assistance with child care but my mother insisted in helping me out. Being close from school but far from work she has made my life a bit easier. She has taken care of my son as if he is her own. She provides all the care he needs and helps out a great deal. My siblings have helped as well. Having a background in education I know the importance of a child development. I have provided my mother with educational videos,books, and activities to help my son cognitive development. However it is all in Spanish. It worries me at times because knowing and working for a brief time as a research assistant in the speech and hearing department at ASU I noticed that children with bilingual backgrounds tend to be slower in speech. Not in understanding it but in verbally expressing it. It has occurred with my son. He has delayed in speech but is really advancing in sign language which I tend to be ok with but like any mother I worry if he is getting all he needs. I still do not complain about the help I get from my mother and father. I really don’t run into personal conflicts with her, I don’t worry about how much to give her, I am always certain that he is taken good care of maybe even better care than I give him and more attention being the first grandson. Chaudry presents a very interesting table 2.2 “The Grounded Model of Child Care Choices” where supply factors such as; costs and demand factors such as; child, mother, household care, all contribute,to the choices mothers make when choosing a type of care. (Chaundry 41,42).
Another important factor that I look at is babysitting vs. nurturing. I think this is of great importance to me. I personally as discussed in the begiging I was thinking of putting my son in a child care facility however after speaking with my mother I realized that it was not going to be the same. I wanted my son to be nurtured and taken care of as if he did not have to feel I was leaving him for long periods of hours. I wanted him to grow in an environment that he felt loved. I am not saying other centers will no provide the help but I know the focus of attention would not be him. This is why I decide on my mother, I never really knew that she was going to be of soo much help as she has become.
From previous child development classes that I took as a sophomore in college I saw the effects of child care in children and also the lack of quality child care. I examined the numbers of the cost of a good child care facility and even observed some of the children of a good standing child care facility. I never realized that two years later I had to think deeper and beyond child care options. I have not explored child care and the research on what the government is doing to help low income mothers/child care providers as I have for these blogs and assignments with sincerity. It was truly shocking to see how the ARC (Applied Research Center) there is a large increase in the number of caregivers who are unlicensed. For the begingin of my college career I wanted to become a teacher due to my family history in teaching; my dad, my uncles, and my grandpa. However I never really paid attention to the needs of mothers as of now. I worked a number of years for the Mesa Public School Community Center for an after school program. This program was on site of the school and once children got out of class they could go to the center which was located in one of the schools classroom where they would have some time to be taken care of, have time to do homework, play and then have a snack. The time for pick up was 6 p.m sharp. This was convenient for parents. Most of them worked it was just the rite time. They did not have to worry about homework because their kids had done it or maybe snacks. However the pay was pretty expensive however there were some scholarships and grants the district gave out which was convenient for those parents that needed it. Well after rambling off I wanted to get out of this that this is needed a national help to assist working mothers beyond the help that they are already getting.
There is a saying that it takes a village to raise a child, it is certainly true. There is a need for being preoccupied for mothers that are struggling to make ends meet. The answer is not just giving them partial help and let them figure it out however they can. It is a necessarily to go beyond and help mothers become supportive and independent individuals. We have to stop bird feeding mothers. Giving them only a little and making them figure out a way to get the next bite. If the government really wants to help the working poor mothers they should really help them by providing everything at once not little by little because precious time is at risk. The enough time it takes for our children to grow in poverty and difficulty.
Some of the care options “were not ideal, however, in terms of these relatives’ commitment to being care providers, the location, or their long-term availability.” (Chaudry,35) I think however, that is more than just saving money or the hassle is more of need. These women work with what they have not because they are being picky. Although it may seem like it at first because of the many changes in child care but I know first hand that these mothers are trying their best to have some peace of mind when working for their children.
As a working mother and student it has been really helpful all the support that my parents have given me from the start. I did not have the resources to look for a child care facility to take care of my son. Growing up in a household in which my mother was a housewife I personally never experience the child care atmosphere. In the beginging I did think of getting assistance with child care but my mother insisted in helping me out. Being close from school but far from work she has made my life a bit easier. She has taken care of my son as if he is her own. She provides all the care he needs and helps out a great deal. My siblings have helped as well. Having a background in education I know the importance of a child development. I have provided my mother with educational videos,books, and activities to help my son cognitive development. However it is all in Spanish. It worries me at times because knowing and working for a brief time as a research assistant in the speech and hearing department at ASU I noticed that children with bilingual backgrounds tend to be slower in speech. Not in understanding it but in verbally expressing it. It has occurred with my son. He has delayed in speech but is really advancing in sign language which I tend to be ok with but like any mother I worry if he is getting all he needs. I still do not complain about the help I get from my mother and father. I really don’t run into personal conflicts with her, I don’t worry about how much to give her, I am always certain that he is taken good care of maybe even better care than I give him and more attention being the first grandson. Chaudry presents a very interesting table 2.2 “The Grounded Model of Child Care Choices” where supply factors such as; costs and demand factors such as; child, mother, household care, all contribute,to the choices mothers make when choosing a type of care. (Chaundry 41,42).
Another important factor that I look at is babysitting vs. nurturing. I think this is of great importance to me. I personally as discussed in the begiging I was thinking of putting my son in a child care facility however after speaking with my mother I realized that it was not going to be the same. I wanted my son to be nurtured and taken care of as if he did not have to feel I was leaving him for long periods of hours. I wanted him to grow in an environment that he felt loved. I am not saying other centers will no provide the help but I know the focus of attention would not be him. This is why I decide on my mother, I never really knew that she was going to be of soo much help as she has become.
From previous child development classes that I took as a sophomore in college I saw the effects of child care in children and also the lack of quality child care. I examined the numbers of the cost of a good child care facility and even observed some of the children of a good standing child care facility. I never realized that two years later I had to think deeper and beyond child care options. I have not explored child care and the research on what the government is doing to help low income mothers/child care providers as I have for these blogs and assignments with sincerity. It was truly shocking to see how the ARC (Applied Research Center) there is a large increase in the number of caregivers who are unlicensed. For the begingin of my college career I wanted to become a teacher due to my family history in teaching; my dad, my uncles, and my grandpa. However I never really paid attention to the needs of mothers as of now. I worked a number of years for the Mesa Public School Community Center for an after school program. This program was on site of the school and once children got out of class they could go to the center which was located in one of the schools classroom where they would have some time to be taken care of, have time to do homework, play and then have a snack. The time for pick up was 6 p.m sharp. This was convenient for parents. Most of them worked it was just the rite time. They did not have to worry about homework because their kids had done it or maybe snacks. However the pay was pretty expensive however there were some scholarships and grants the district gave out which was convenient for those parents that needed it. Well after rambling off I wanted to get out of this that this is needed a national help to assist working mothers beyond the help that they are already getting.
There is a saying that it takes a village to raise a child, it is certainly true. There is a need for being preoccupied for mothers that are struggling to make ends meet. The answer is not just giving them partial help and let them figure it out however they can. It is a necessarily to go beyond and help mothers become supportive and independent individuals. We have to stop bird feeding mothers. Giving them only a little and making them figure out a way to get the next bite. If the government really wants to help the working poor mothers they should really help them by providing everything at once not little by little because precious time is at risk. The enough time it takes for our children to grow in poverty and difficulty.
Blog 5
Chandry book “Putting Children First” states that “we are asking the least fortunate to strive work harder, we are deeply discounting our public responsibility for the children born into poor families and disadvantaged communities”due to welfare reform laws that not only encourage needy mothers to work but cut down on public assistance by in some way giving something but cutting back on some other assistance. It was truly shocking to hear the responses of people that were interviewed regarding what was their definition of the working poor. The most bizarre answer that I found in a way even insulting to those that are the working poor was a comment done by a young lady. She said that the working poor are simply those people that did not think ahead in having a family and got married to young and did not know exactly what they were doing and now they have to in someway live through the consequences or choices they made. I find this answer changed by different types of words but given the same meaning in the actions that the government does in trying to “fix” the this problem of poverty. Chaundry seems to point out to the reader that the government thinks that by making mothers work they will eventually crawl up from the gutter and be well off without their help. The women interviewed in the book seem that all have had the same problem lack of support from not just the government but by those imposed by the government to help. If some of the videos if not some stated a inclination of awareness to all that everyone is responsible for the well being of mothers that are poor that raising children. Chaundry presents a revolutionary ideal to the help of poor mothers raising children “ We could …replace welfare with more support and opportunities for children in addition to strong requirements..” Mothers like s Annette in Chaundry’s book is a perfect example of how these women are given in some way goals to achieve in order to receive help but end up loosing more help by the closed doors they get with the little help they get but at the moment it is increasingly huge and necessary. Annette had to work extra hard to get the assistance she needed but it became rather difficult in the area of child care. Throughout the book the constant theme of child care being now more available to working low income mothers is a have but it seems that this same theme is related to obstacles and the child care which is suppose to be beneficial to the mother turn into a nightmare. Providers are not getting paid as told so by voucher, grants,etc and the quality Chaundry states is rather “dubious”.
“Living with a Hole in your Pocket” has a very interesting theme that at times I can relate to. It is not a theme but a cycle which is called the “viscous cycle”. It is living paycheck by paycheck.Treating the most necessary things in life as a luxury. The video “Poverty in America” was shocking to know that 37 million people are living below the poverty line this poverty line is composed by a family of four earning less than $20,614.00. After watching the costs broken down to the everyday necessities such as healthcare,transportation,food,living and utilities it was sad to see that almost all of those in the poverty line go above their earnings around 2,000 dollars. This video really focuses in the viewer ti see that there is no way a family can survive without help. The last video was and interview done by Professor Katherine Newman draws attention to the fact that the close to poverty poor people are often not even considered in policy making agendas. I personally feel some sort of attachment to this particular video. My family in particularly my mother has worked realy hard to come out of the poverty line and managed to have her own business however it was not easy for her to do so but with the joy and expenses she has in some way or another acquired more debt and still does not afford health care which is at times I think ridiculous neither the government can help you if you are poor but also if you are coming out of the poverty line I simply think policy should be changed and reflected on because it is not only affecting families that are poor but those that are not even in the margin of being poor.
“Living with a Hole in your Pocket” has a very interesting theme that at times I can relate to. It is not a theme but a cycle which is called the “viscous cycle”. It is living paycheck by paycheck.Treating the most necessary things in life as a luxury. The video “Poverty in America” was shocking to know that 37 million people are living below the poverty line this poverty line is composed by a family of four earning less than $20,614.00. After watching the costs broken down to the everyday necessities such as healthcare,transportation,food,living and utilities it was sad to see that almost all of those in the poverty line go above their earnings around 2,000 dollars. This video really focuses in the viewer ti see that there is no way a family can survive without help. The last video was and interview done by Professor Katherine Newman draws attention to the fact that the close to poverty poor people are often not even considered in policy making agendas. I personally feel some sort of attachment to this particular video. My family in particularly my mother has worked realy hard to come out of the poverty line and managed to have her own business however it was not easy for her to do so but with the joy and expenses she has in some way or another acquired more debt and still does not afford health care which is at times I think ridiculous neither the government can help you if you are poor but also if you are coming out of the poverty line I simply think policy should be changed and reflected on because it is not only affecting families that are poor but those that are not even in the margin of being poor.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Interview Subject
I am carrying out this research for my Woman, Work, and Justice class where I will be analyzing a working mother’s struggle in-between her family life and her work life. First of all my name is Mireya Campos, and I am conducting and interview that will help research for women employment; in which will define some of the issues that arise from women and work such as struggles of working women, income inequality and benefit inequality, the instability of care work that employers offer, as well as the benefits and the struggle that women have trying to balance family life and work or a career. For this interview my first thought was to interview my mother however I began to think and realized that it might be a bit more exiting to interview a co-worker it will not only bring me insight on her life as a working mother but also as my co worker.
I will be interviewing my co-worker Luz .I will not be addressing her last name just yet until the interview is complete. Luz, is not only a mother of a beautiful five year old girl, Jacky, but also is a soon to be mother of her first son, that might be called; Julian. Luz became a mother very early in her life at the age of 17, she has not only balanced her education, trying to graduate from High School and then finish her cosmetology school and also raise a child. She has struggled greatly and yet overcome a great deal of things. Her husband is a very difficult situation due to his legal status however, this new blessing in her life, her son, is giving her hope to overcome the adversity of being the one with a stable job( or at least knowing that she will not be fired for not being legal) . I have not only choose her because she is around my age but because this issue of insecurity among Hispanic women has impacted greatly communities here in Arizona. There are numerous events that have occurred in Arizona that have left women as the head of the household due to their husbands legal status. This life is difficult as it is. Luz is an example of how courages young women are being pushed to be the stable bread winner and given a lot of responsibility to make their family persevere and succeed. This interview will be based on her decisions of working , how has she managed and struggled in life and work, and how are some of the ways that have changed her and those around her, as well as listing who has helped he in her struggle with balancing work and family life and the obstacles she has overcome and those she is still trying to overcome.
Outline for Interview Questions:
1. What is traditional family in your view? What are some of the roles of your parents?
2.How was it for her becoming a mother at an early age? How was it difficult?
2.Did you recieve child care ? As a mother later on who helped you with your children? Did you have childcare for them?
3.At what age did you get married?
4. Did your husband work? What hours?
5. How do you view work in general?
6. How many children did you have?How did you manage your home? chores? baby?
7. Did you go back to work after they were born? When? What kind of job was it ?did you attend school?Will you plan to go back? How do you see your self career wise?
8. How long were you at work everyday?at home? How does your husband help around the house when you work? what are both of your schedules?
9. How did your family, friends, etc help out with child care?
10. Have you paid or used childcare? How much are the costs?
11. Who took care of this child on the weekends if you work?
12. Have you felt supported by your employer in regards to child care and being able to have time with your child?
13. Does your child associate more with the parent she interacts more or is it with the one she interacts with the less? Why do you think? give examples?
14. Do you feel comfortable by working? How do you think your children see your work? 7. How long did the children live with you?
15. How has it been raising children while; going to school?working?
16.Has it been difficult to raise children?what have been some obstacles? how have you overcome those obstacles? have any one helped you? Who? What ways?
17. What characteristics would you say are needed to have a good family life? What is having a good balance?
18. What are some of the sacrifices you have made in order to keep your job?
19. What is your current job position?
20. How much do you make?is it less then your husband?
21. How many hours do you work?how many days do you have off?
22. State your Work history from child was born until now?.
23. How many hours did you work?How much did you make back then?
24. Did you have to sacrifice education for family?family for work? .
25.Are you statisfied with your work? Is it a flexible job to take care of your daily work at home?
26. What do you think are women duties? men? is there such difference?
27. How do you manage work and home?
28. What words of advice do you give mothers that are struggling with work and home?
29. Has it been difficult becoming a young mother at an early age? What have been the struggles?
30. How does your husband support you? What are some of the ways you would like him to support you more?
31. If you were to write a book and list some keys to being a successful mother-worker what are some of the things you would state?
32. If you would to go back and change certain choices as of family life, ways in working at home, etc, what are some of things you would change? why?explain
33. How has current laws in regards to employement (e-verify) have affected your family? has it been difficult? what are some of the obstables? how have you overcome them? How do your children feel?
34. How many children do you have? what are their ages? names? do they go to school?girl or boy?How much time do you spend with them? your husband?
Sunday, September 13, 2009
BLOG #4
In my personal belief I think the characteristics of a good family life is in some part stability to have time to care for your family. I think that Love is in fact the most important characteristic in a family following values, communication, trust and loyalty. At some point it is very difficult to continue making those in your family feel love and giving them the attention they need especially in today's lifestyle. The challenge then comes in how to balance a career and family. It is not just dedicated a certain amount of time to one thing and another set of time to another. It is trying be dedicated to both environments but not put your career above your family. The NPR " Creative Tips for Balancing Work, Family Life" states that high profile businessman are now resigning their jobs. However, many of us do not have the luxury to do this. It is necessary to make ways in which we can dedicate more time to our family , this being by asking for certain days off, dedicating time to soccer games, or simply having a conversation with our family and becoming more interested in the involvement of each individual. It is a matter of dedication to make those close to us happy and fulfill in being in a family. I find this very important. There is a need to make those around us happy especially family. The video conducted by Cornell University the speaker gave very detailed examples of the "choices" she had to make in order to make her daughter feel she was being supported even though she did not traditionally bake cookies for a bake sale. This then leads to a "guilt" for working and not being the typical stay at home mom that does everything. It can also be challenging if their is a need. I know a lot of women that feel very sad leaving their children to go to work but they have to in order to survive and continue to care for them. Often necessity makes mothers feel guilty for not having everything to give to their children, even time.
Gender roles have made work and family issues a bit more complex because they have not only made life a bit more complex due to making women feel a bit guilty for not completing their traditional "duties" because not only they have to be the bread winners but also the sole distributers and organizers of the home. In some ways this has somewhat force husbands and others close to the women that works manage things a bit more easier. Now not only are women those that have to do chores around the house it is almost everyone that helps out. For example my mom works in the morning and runs her company at night, my father is usually the one that cooks for my siblings and tries to keep the house in order, however, when my mom is off she usually still not only does what my dad does everyday around the house but also finds new things to do now that my dad helps a bit more. Women at work have caused a type of revolution in the sense that it has revolutionized the norm of what is expected of a women.
However, there is also what some call the Employers pushdown revolution were women are push down by societies norms and get no support from employers. Instead women making revolution by working more there is revolution by employers in not sustaining and not being supportive towards women. In the video it was discussed that there is a 20% of women that live in poverty even if the numbers have increased of women at work. It was also shocking to hear that a "society that impoverish their mothers impoverish their children" . It is still important and there is a need for better workplace flexibility programs. Women need to feel secure in their jobs or careers if they need time to be with their family a bit more or simply need some time to do whatever is needed. What the UK does with the CARE program that enables women to have some time of leave and feel secure that they can have their job back I found this idea a very positive. The video stated that it not only make the women feel more dedicated to her career or job but makes her feel more comfortable. There is no doubt that we as a society need to stop complaining about women issues and look at these issues as a human and necessary issues. The need of childcare, transportation, education, income are all in the list in my eyes a necessary need of change. Those being affected are children and we need to think of them too by doing so we will not only change the economical state of them but their educational and their generation and society.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
BLOG 3
One of the ways that I have experienced care work in my family has been through the help of my spouse and parents. They have been the essential persons that have helped me in this stage of my life. Becoming a mother as I still had a role as an employee and student has been a very challenging and I cannot imagine how it would have been if I had not have the support of my husband and parents. My husband has taken roles that in his family might not be typical. He helps me with as much as he can with chores around the house and the baby.
I found the issues presented in “Juggling Work and Care “ are very beneficial and should be done here in the United States. I found it very interested that the CARE program was very flexible and dependable for any women or mother entering the work force. By employers being more flexible to the lifestyles of the person even those that are working mothers. It can be argued that this will jeopardize the dedication of the women that works, however, it does not do that at all in fact according to the video become more loyal and committed to the job and it even forces them more to be more active in other things. I really like the outcomes of how the UK works. I think even more women would in fact feel more comfortable working with benefits like these especially young mothers who are students and that sometimes depend on their income to provide not only for their children but for their education. Having the security for your job from your employer is in fact very attractive and much needed.
Society needs to reconstruct their notions of the home “women’s work”. In the video in regards to the Love Economy states that women’s work is not recognized which in fact is a mistake because in a way it degrading and it just places monetary value to work a work that is worth probably even more that the one already valued. There should not be a reason why women’s work should not be defined by Love work or have no monetary value and other type of work does. I found all the video such as juggling work and care, love economy, changing gender roles, very uniquely appealing to try to make our society change its ways of looking at the work that mothers do just as duty but also work not just women’s work but everyone sort of necessary work. Just the notation of women’s work just to me seems a bit derogative why should it be this way? I understand that there are myths that define the culture of a women ,however, we must begin to change these ideas deeply installed upon us. I know that as a married Mexican –American wife my role as a mother and “duties” were in fact going to be bit different than what my mother or mother-in-law roles. I still believe that change is its way but there is a need for women themselves construct a different view of their work. Although, it may take a while because like in the video showed, women just want to do the work, even if men try to help.I think the negative connotation should be removed by stating that what women work is not valuable it is just mere love work.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Blog 2
According to the article “one major gender differentiation is set forth by segregations of jobs by sex. Sex segregation is set by how some women have been discriminated to get access to certain jobs or careers. The article also mentions how there is wage gap between men and women.
As I started my college career I frankly did not know what to do for a major so I sort of explored many types of areas. In one of the areas of interest was teaching. In which the majority where women,which, should depict sex segregation and of what a women should aspire. As I got involved with some other ASU students I started to notice a relation between gender and career goals. One of the departments that I saw of most relation was in the engineering department. Most of the ASU students that I became acquainted with where in this field and I noticed that only a few rarely where women
There is actually so many ways that sex segregation is implied in advisors or professors. In particularly the justice studies department there is more women as professors than men. As a freshman my original major was criminology I took several classes and I just came to realize from this class that in the criminology department there are less women professors and more men as professors.
Sex segregation is indeed upon our society since the beginning of our development. In the article research entails that there is actually a sex barrier of what type of career or aspirations to want or not to aspire due to their sex but more importantly what is implied for you to do according to your gender. This is typically influenced by the type of family you are in or how you are raised. For example in my family as a girl I was not expected to aspire to be a police officer or anything related to politics or government related careers or jobs. I was sort of persuaded by my mother to become a teacher. She always told me it would be a stable career and I would have time for me (or my family). However, when I told her I was interested in criminology and more specifically getting in the DEA she told me it was too dangerous. I recently asked why did she tell me this and told me it was because it is dangerous and its not due to my gender. However as I questioned if I was a guy would it still be the same, she paused, for a moment and said yes, but I knew it would not be the same.As the matter of career wise my mother has somewhat now open up towards my other siblings so they can study what they want unlike me that she somewhat controlled my education aspirations. My education was very patriarchal in the sense that in the beginning of my college education my mother told me what to study, she wanted either for me to be a social worker,nurse, or a teacher, or even a lawyer, but it was out of the question anything related to using force, uniforms:police,FBI,CIA,DEA,etc. As if men where only capable of this job.
In fact when I got married she suggested to me that I was not to be the one that had to work that that was the sole responsibility of my husband and not mine. My mother has been liberal in the way that she does control the household but at the same time has still ideas that the men is the responsible for bringing the sole income to the house.
Patriarchal Socialization at schools is also the same way. Schools try to at some point ask students to aspire great things however, most of the pictures about astronauts, doctors, nurses implying a certain gender roles. In the beginning I mentioned that I was an aspiring teacher at force. I met fellow students that where mostly women. There is still a notion that women are better teachers or that women should be teachers at least that is what is perceived when you enter a classroom where there are 35 women aspiring to become teachers and only 1 men. There is still a patriarchy on what a women should study or aspire. Once again there is a gender barrier.
The last report to reflect on was the radio report “Moms become Breadwinners As Job Losses Hit Men” from the NPR report explains some shocking numbers and statistics. One major themes that made me reflect was the reality in which as I women I live but I do not see. I found it very interesting that as our country is suffering an economic breakdown men are the ones that are losing their jobs and not women. Most of these jobs are related to manufacturing and construction in which men are dominating. However, the healthcare system which is mainly mad by ¾ of women is still on the rise. The reporter asked if women then are not loosing anything now knowing that those suffering losing their jobs are men. The most shocking thing was revealed to me even though, if I do think about it it really is true. Women do not tend to have any type of insurance or healthcare benefit due to the type of jobs they have in which, men in particularly hold jobs that are related to unions which have these types of benefits. The wage gap still persist even if men are still unemployed. Although men continue to lose their jobs women still have to work as much or even more than men without benefits or something that men usually get without any work due to their job related field or skill. It is really shoking to see that there is still political and moral progress needed toward the true dignity of the women in regards to work and income equality.
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