Summary
The chapter covers the constant struggle of everyday life when it comes to having a family and working to survive. It describes how the economy went downhill and impacted so many lives of Americans. People lost their homes, their jobs, and their motivation. With the ever-changing economy the middle class has been severely divided and many families are at or below poverty level or making more money while working weekends, nights, and crazy overtime hours without compensation. Many families have been dealing with economic role changes and the loss of income from one partner. Others are working low wage jobs or part time and can’t stay afloat. Homelessness is on the rise as is the unemployment rate. The times have changed and people are finding ways to make money and attempt to balance their family lives. The chapter also discussed stay-at-home dads, two income families, trailing spouses, and commuter marriages that challenge the so-called normal family and work lifestyle. Everyone has to deal with their situations in their own ways and learn to adapt to this new economy. Women have also had to cope with the continuance of pay inequality, sexual harassment, and the struggle work while starting a family. Overall, the chapter described the economy and upsetting status of the United States while the workplace has changed it still has a need to improve to help the quality of life.

New, Interesting, or Unusual Items Learned
The fact that among some of the world’s richest nations, their governments require that employers pay full-time workers an annual leave and that the United States has none when in France they are granted 30 days. The United States government does not seem to cater to the everyday working person; it helps those who it can gain something from in the short-term.

Question/Concern
Do you think there will ever be a shift in the United States culture where work is second to family and the family roles or economic roles will shift? (pay inequality, time off, dual-earner families, etc.)

Brian Bitner