Chapter 3 Blog

1. Summary

In this chapter they talk about how different historical factors affected how the family is now viewed today. Some influences were the exploitation of American Indian, African American, and Mexican families. The colonial family was an example of a self-sufficient being that had performed a wide range of functions. Children held their own because they had to go be a part of the workforce to help provide for their family and were expected to have a well- mannered disposition. The wives work was not considered as important to that of their husbands. The way a family functions varies depending on social classes and geographic regions. African American slave households had the normal nuclear family structure that would not be expected. Industrialization changed many aspects of the family. Marriages were based on love and free will rather than economic considerations, and parental roles became more gender segregated. In the upper and middle class women devoted their time to looking attractive and listening to their husbands every whim. It also discussed the hardships that immigrant families faced when coming over to America such as social and economic discrimination, dilapidated housing conditions, and chronic health problems. It also discussed the hardships of working class families to during the Great Depression. The other classes of families had to cut back on luxury items, but they were not affected by the unemployment of the working class. Another period in time in which hit the institution of the family really hard was during World War II. Many women were able to find jobs however death and divorce disrupted the harmony of families. The family roles of white middle-class women expanded to include full-time nurturance of children and husbands, whereas their husbands’ roles were largely limited to work. Since the 60’s many Americans have experienced changes in family structure, gender roles, and economic problems.

2. My Opinions

I found that no matter what the race, social class, or economic situation it seems that gender roles of the family were always intact. The man did the hard labor and women’s work was inadequate. The only thing that seemed to have change was the role of children within the family. It seemed back in the day children needed to provide for the family and not just be helpless like I feel that the children of today. The children of today are not forced to do any hard labor or take any responsibility for their actions. The only times it seems that the families roles and functions changed was when the economy or the country was affected just like in the Newsies.

3. Questions

As I was reading I just wondered to myself why no matter what the race, social class, and economy why gender roles never changed. It seemed that women will and still are seen as the inferior role and I wondered that no matter what why it never changed? Why are men always seen as superior even though some men today take on the role of house mom they still are seen as the dominant partner? Also I wondered what changed, besides the economy that caused children’s role within the family to change so significantly?