Women as incomers in the family

Kaidi Wu

110.03

Final Paper

Apr 27, 2012

Women as incomers in the family

Since God created Adam and Eve, men and women seem have already been set up to fit their roles. From generation to generation, women often play a role as wives and mothers, only cooking, doing the laundry and taking care of the children, and men play a role as husbands and fathers, working or fixing different things. However, times are progressing, nothing is changeless. As the saying goes, behind every successful man there's a woman. However, successful women are in the same situation, they also need a man to support them. Making money is no longer men’s job only, but also women’s. In America, more and more women have become the major provider of income in the family (Christina 103-10). Their husbands have to leave their jobs in order to support their wives and taking care of the family. Since more and more women joined the work force, the roles of men and women seem is not that limited. Women who work as a major provider of income is a double edge sword. Working women can support their family’s financial situation and prevent themselves getting depressed from doing monotonous housework, dependence on their husband for financial and emotional support, and it also increases self-respect (Christina 120-25). However, due to the traditional role of women, it might be a big threat to many women. Househusbands might feel their masculinity is being threatened, and their children might grow up differently in father’s love. Therefore, in order to maintain the family finding a balance between work and family is necessary.

Women, who are the providers of income, can provide a better life quality for their family and increase their self-esteem. Many women who choose to be a working mother rather than a fulltime housewife is due to the unstable economic scenario. Many families need two incomes in order to own a house and pay the bills. According to the article “The End of Men”, Hanna Rosin points out that due to women’s social intelligence, open communication and the ability to sit still, women are more likely do better in school than many men. Also, women dominate 13 job categories out of 15, and upper class women are creating more jobs for women who want to work in order to balance the American workforce and raising the social status for women (Rosin 195-196). As the Chinese saying goes “Money is not everything, but without money, everything is nothing.” In many industrial countries, raising a child is not cheap, and most parents want the best for their children. In order to send their children to receive a good education, women also need to participate in work.

Furthermore, women who work can prevent themselves getting depressed from repeating day after day housework and increase their self-respect. Women’s movement has been successful since 19th through early 20th centuries. Allowing women to work is one of the rights that feminists have been fighting for; therefore, many women chose to work to show themselves their ability to work and be independent. In the past, women had to stay at home and rely on their husband, because being a good housewife to support their husband was what they have been taught to do. However, many women have proved that women can do as well as men. For example, Carly Fiorina, the CEO of HP, was one of the most powerful women in business. She broke the myth that women cannot work well like men. According to the author Anders George, in the book “Perfect Enough: Carly Fiorina and the reinvention of Hewlett-Packard,” he talks about how Carly achieved her goal from graduating with Stanford University degree to the chief executive of Hewlett- Packard (George 59-63). She was famous not only because of her capability, but also Frank Fiorina, who is Carly’s husband, in order to support her, resigned from AT&T. This action has also caused a sensation at that time. Because traditionally, people are used to men working outside and women staying at home, Carly broke the stereotype of traditional women and also became an icon of modern women. Women also can socialize with their colleagues when they enter the workforce, rather than being at home doing monotonous housework. Therefore, women who work as income providers are good for themselves.

In addition, working women can also impact her family in different ways. On the one hand, workingwomen give their family members a chance to become more responsible. Unlike housewives, working women barely have time to do the housework; therefore, her husband will need to share responsible for the whole family along with their children. Many men in traditional families have to work for second job so that they can afford the cost of daily life. Since women are working to provide the second income, the husband does not have to work two jobs to support family; which allows, men will have more time to spend with their family. Furthermore, working women also are a role model for their children. Many children have been taught the value of hard working; as long as people work hard they can achieve the goal of success. As the saying goes “actions speak louder than words.” A woman who works will have a great impact when children see their parents work hard to maintain the family. However, children may grow up differently with father as the main caretaker. One of the most important influences is that when a man as a father usually teaches their children indirectly and they are not usually good at expressing feelings. Due to female’s maternity, they usually take good care of the children, therefore children usually feel much closer to their mother.  Nonetheless, according to the author Tess Kay, in the article “Where’s Dad? Fatherhood In Leisure Studies,” she maintains that infants who are educated by their father usually have a higher intelligence quotient. Fathers are more likely to be patient and stand the stresses and frustrations than women.  “The influence of a father also extends into children’s adolescence,” Kay states, “a good father can help his children to develop good eloquence while they are learning” (Kay 133-152). According to the article, the way fathers play with their children also affects their children’s emotional development. Children might grow up differently compared to who grew up in motherhood, but no matter in which way working women can always push their family to another better level.

Although working women have many great influences to themselves and families, a man who is being a househusband may feel his masculinity is being threatened. From ancient times to the present, men have always been seen as a symbol of power, independence and masculinity. A man who is working outside seems something that is right and proper. Therefore, many men still cannot accept the truth that they are staying home as a househusbands, in which they feel their masculinity is under threat. The characteristics of traditional masculine qualities are power, success, competent, responsible and in control. For most men, being a househusband is not only an embarrassment, but also a big sacrifice. Many househusbands feel they have lost their dignity of being a man, and also they have to give up their career, which is a big deal for most men. Some men even look at their career as the only priority in their life. Andrea Doucet, who is the author of the article “It's Almost Like I Have A Job, But I Don't Get Paid: Fathers At Home Reconfiguring Work, Care, And Masculinity,” states that social pressure is one of the reasons that makes househusbands feel most embarrassed.

Being a househusband is still extraordinary nowadays, many people find out there are some difficulties accepting this unconventional lifestyle. First, a househusband might face disrespect from relatives, neighbors and other rumors. For example, Richard, a French American who stayed at home to take care of his family in order to support his wife job. However, “I was often being called kept men at the first few year” Richard says, “ my neighbors think I don’t like a men” (Doucet 102-107). Due to the social standards, men who are staying home and don’t work will be consider weak and will not be respected. Second, a househusband may have a different impact on their children, especially for boys. According to Doucet, a survey shows that young children who had male as caretaker in their early age are usually smarter than other young children (Doucet 189-194). Third, due to the lack of time between husband and wife, the relationship might be in danger. Mike McManus, the author of “Why is America's divorce rate the highest in the world?” stats that women who are working outside usually have higher divorce rate than other type of families (McManus 4).  Even though there are many side effects for women to be the incomer and men stay at home taking care of the family, Doucet believes that people’s mentality is changing, although it is progressing slowly and eventually women working outside will be the new trend in the future.

A woman who works as an income provider in a family brings many advantages and disadvantages, yet, maintaining a harmonious family are the goal for parents. Therefore, finding the balance between work and family for working women is important. William K. Rawlins, who is a professor at Ohio University, suggests that working women, in order to balance the work and family, they should learn how to manage their time better. So even if they have a busy day they still can make some time for family. In addition, simplifying life and jobs is also a good way to balance work and family. Albert Einstein says, “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.” Working women should set up a goal that is realizable for them and take a break once a while during the achieving process. Also, sharing the work with her partner if possible. Successful men need a woman of unknown, so do women as well (William 30-39).

            In conclusion, women who work as an income provider in family will still be a new thing to the society, which both have negative and positive influence to the family and society in many ways. However, the society is progressing, an increasing number of working women has appeared as a role model for modern women nowadays. Instead of judging those people who broke the stereotype that men cannot stay at home and support women, people should be more open-minded and tolerant. Being successful, independent and responsible are reference qualities for everyone. People should take a step backward instead of limiting people’s role, the world will be colorful if people can see from different views.

Work Cited 

Kay, Tess. "Where’S Dad? Fatherhood In Leisure Studies." Leisure Studies 25.2 (2006): 133-152. Academic Search Complete. Web. 16 Apr. 2012.

Doucet, Andrea. "It's Almost Like I Have A Job, But I Don't Get Paid": Fathers At Home Reconfiguring Work, Care, And Masculinity." Fathering: A Journal Of Theory, Research, & Practice About Men As Fathers 2.3 (2004): 277- 280. Academic Search Complete. Web. 16 Apr. 2012.

George, Anders. Perfect enough : Carly Fiorina and the reinvention of Hewlett-Packard / George Anders.. 1st. New York : Portfolio, 2003. 59-63. Print.

McManus, Mike. "Why is America's divorce rate the highest in the world?." Coldwater Daily. (2011): 4. Web. 1 May. 2012.

Medved, Caryn E., and William K. Rawlins. "At-Home Fathers And Breadwinning Mothers: Variations In Constructing Work And Family Lives." Women & Language 34.2 (2011): 30-39. Academic Search Complete. Web. 16 Apr. 2012

Rosin, Hanna “The End of Men”. Global Issues 11/12. Ed. Robert M. Jackson. New York:          McGraw-Hill, 2012. 195-196. Print.

Christina, Fisanick. Working women. 1st. Detroit : Thomson: Salem Press, 2008. 103-10. Print.

Reflection of Presentation

My topic of the presentation is how Ellen DeGeneres challenges the stereotypes of gay people in media. I introduced Ellen DeGeneres about her life stories and how she suffered and become successful. Many people discriminate homosexual people and think that women cannot be successful on TV. However, she broke the stereotype that how people think about women and homosexual. First of all, she is the first female comedian that went on the Johnny Carson show. Secondly, she is one of few hosts that announced their sexual preference in the public. Finally, I talked about some philanthropy that she has done. Unlike other people, she cares about people whom living in pain. I think she is the model of modern women.

I think this presentation was okay. I could do better, because I printed out the notes for the speech, but I forgot to take it to the class. Ellen DeGeneres has always been my favorite host since I came to the states. Although I know she is Lesbian, it does not affect her position in my heart. I was really touched when I read her biography. It was a bit hard to find resource to connect with Ellen DeGeneres and the stereotypes. However, I learned a lot from this presentation and I was inspired by her. For example, I used to think all the women are look like what the media has been talking about, they are beautiful long blonde hair, dependent. But now i know women could have their own dream too, they can be independent and successful as well. Just like a man.

Gender Roles in Advertising

Based on this image, we can see there is a ballet dancer dancing next to a car. Obviously, this advertising is about selling cars.  However, there is a question for this advertising: why they put a ballet dancer next to a car instead of a men or something else. As we know, cars are " man’s " things. A car usually is a symbol of masculine, power and speed. None of these words are feminine. However, from this image I noticed some thing connected with that ballet dancer and the car. Usually, the designers make cars look very masculine, because the most buyers are men. Although, this car has an arc lined front light. Therefor, I assume the designer wants to use the dolce of the ballet dancer to present another side of this car, which is the characteristic softness in solidness. Also, this increased the chances of females to buy this car, not all men are the controllers in the family. The meta- message of this advertising could also be seen the designer is trying to tell the buyer this car is just as beautiful and elegant like the ballet dancer. If you buy this car, there might be many beautiful women will chase you. In my opinion, I think this is a very good combination, not only showing the solidness of the car, but also the softness, it makes you to have the desire to buy this car.

The Reflection of “ Are Men and Women Equal?”

Kaidi Wu

110.03

Apr 2, 2012

The Reflection of “ Are Men and Women Equal?”

            Women’s movement has been around for decades. However, women still have a long way to go until they fully benefit the equality not only in workplace, but also in society. In the videos, the host and those guests were mainly talking about the inequality between men and women in the workplace. According to the research, in the top senior leadership position women are in a very poorly situation, which they only earn 18 percent of total. Although, the situation of women seems better than it in the past, women have got the rights to vote, women are still facing other differences compare to men. Kendra G, who is an author, points out that woman should stand out for themselves. The fear of speak for their rights is one of the reasons that slowing down the women’s movement. However, the younger generations of women expect to get equal paid and they are more likely to speak out for themselves. In addition, the law and policies, which were issued by the government, will also help women to get equal pay.

            Women have always been seen as a role of doing housework, taking care of the family, but noting with business. It took women 72 years to get the rights to vote; it proves that things can be changed, same as people’s mind. However, the most important thing is that women need to speak out for themselves；therefor, people can hear their needs. The reason why women are still facing the inequality in many place is that most of them are afraid of telling what they deserve. Fortunately, the laws are helping women to defense their rights. In short, in order to benefit more and to be equaled as men, women should let people to hear their voice, because they have many supporters that they don’t know.

Kaidi Wu

110.03

Essay Final

Mar 4, 2012

Women live freely with dignity is not impossible

Since god created Adam and Eve, men have always been seeing as the symbol of power, responsibilities and high level. Instead, women seem to have lower society level, and frequently do not benefit equal rights like men do. Back to ancient China, women was being dominated by men for thousands years due to their lack of autonomy and dignity. In America, women did not have the rights to vote until 1920. As time goes on, women’s rights has been getting more and more attention, people are realizing women’s rights are important for the society, an imbalanced society cannot be called a good society. Encouragingly, women’s movement has been successful in many ways. Women in Saudi Arabia got the rights to vote and run in elections, people in South Korea are abandoning the idea of male preference. As the society develops, women are more educated and the traditional thoughts of women will be changed. A world in which all women can live freely and with dignity is inevitable.

The economic problem makes women have more advantages to achieve the successes. Men’s advantages such as Physical strength and the abilities to do heavy work made men were doing really good in the past. However, according to the article “ The End of Men”, women are more likely suitable in postindustrial economy. Women are programmed to find a good provider and to care for their descendants. In addition, women have the social intelligence, and the ability to sit still and focus, also compare to men they are more flexible, of all which has brought women to another social level in postindustrial economy. While economy develops, women are able to have savings and to be well educated. In an advanced society, the way to survive is to keep increasing the knowledge; the more knowledge people have the higher social level they get. In developed countries, women usually have more rights than women who are in developing countries. In the article “ How Economic Development Helps the World's Women”, Global Women’s Index has shown women benefit the most rights in Europe, such as Sweden and Norway. In contrast, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Iran are at the very bottom of this rank. Moreover, as women get richer, they are able to get higher education to improve their social stats and get more rights, which is hard for women who are in a bad financial situation. Imaging a woman cannot even support her basic life cost, how can she to look for more rights and not worry about how to continue the life. Allowing women to work has also raised their social levels to certain points. As more and more women enter the work force, they are able to have money to do the things they want; unlike they have to rely on the men in the past. Many women were suffering by not allowing to work in the past, so they had to depend on their house holder, who is usually a man, but since women can be financial independent, they will no long to rely on others. All of which makes women become more completive and suitable in nowadays economy.

On the other hand, social modernization has played a very important role in women’s movement. As a society develops, people’s minds are getting more advanced and more open. The acceleration of social modernization process, great changes have taken place in the daily life of the people, and it also helps women get more rights even in the strict country, like Saudi Arabia. Their King Abdullah announced that women in Saudi Arabia have the right to vote and run in future municipal elections, which is an extraordinary development in this country. In the article “How Economic Development Helps the World's Women”, Florida talks about the different situations of women in developed and developing countries. In a more advanced modernization society, women are face less discrimination and have more opportunities. Also, the development alone plays an important role in driving down inequality between men and women. The way of treating women in a country also reflects levels of tolerance, openness, and diversity in a society. The better women are being treated, the happier they will feel. Ronald Ericsson, who is a biologist, found a way to identify the male and female sperm, so that people can easier to chose either have boys or girls. However, in the 90’s more families want to have a girl instead a boy. The old thoughts of having girls are a bad thing is changing alone with society’s development. Like China, South Korea is a country that being influenced by their traditional culture, most people want to have a boy in order to continuities their family name and let their children to take the responsibility of their family. The situations of women who had a baby girl are even worse. They were often being abused and treated, as domestic servant. Until, 1970s and ‘80s, under the government’s pressures, this was changed, women were allowed to enter work force. A new law was published to protect women to keep custody of their children after a divorce and meanwhile, they also have inherited property. Monica Das Gupta, a demographer and Asia expert at the World Bank, believes that the male preference is over in South Korea. This has proved nothing is unchangeable, it just depends on whether people want to chance it or not. With social modernization, the social value system is more and more pluralized, and personal restraints are decreased.

As the saying goes, a good beginning is half done. The continued modernization will minimize the marginalization of women. Men used to have the advantages to work better in many industries, and they have been dominating many important industries for centuries. However, women are taking over in nowadays. Based on the reaches, the ability to set and focus are letting women to earn 60 percent of master’s degree, about half of all low and medical degree, and 42 percent of M.B.A.s, and 60 percent of all bachelor’s degree, which is a great step for most women to achieve a better life in their life. The high educations and social intelligence directly cause women to get a better job. Looking back, men were the one and only source of income in a family. Nonetheless, the fact of women are dominating the 13 job categories out of 15 has changed this situation, and overthrew the rumor of women cannot work as good as men. Many people may think women can only work certain jobs, like health care. Yet upper class women are also entering work force, and creating domestic job for other women. People are often seeing the cause and effect as a circle, once they have a good start, then usually they have good results at the end, and vice versa. Women in Saudi Arabia have the rights to vote, which is a significant meaning to them, even though it was just a start and progress slowly, but compared to the pass, women were not even allowed to drive and go abroad alone, this was a qualitative leap.

For all above, in this world, advantages and disadvantages exist side by side. Men are stronger and faster, women are more scrupulous and patient, but everyone is equal. Judging someone based on his or her gender is just not sensible. There is not only white and black, if people are so judgmental, then they will lose many highlight of happiness in their life. The world is changing, women not only can live freely with dignity, but also they will achieve a higher and better goal. However, Rome was not built in a day, the progress of women getting more rights takes time, the situations of men in the world are very positive, in the near future, people will see equality between men and women in harmonious society.

Work Cited

Rosin, Hanna. “The End of Men.” Global Issues 11/12. Ed. Robert M. Jackson. New York:    McGraw Hill, 2011. 195-199. Print.

“Women in Saudi Arabia to Vote and Run in Elections.” BBC News. The BBC, 25 Sep. 2011. Web. 17 Feb. 2012.

Florida, Richard.  “How Economic Development Helps the World's Women.” The Atlantic Cities Place, Matters. The Atlantic Media Company, 12 Jan. 2012. Web. 24 Feb. 2012.

Reflection of “How Economic Development Helps the World’s Women”

Kaidi Wu

110.03

Reflection 4

Feb 18,2012

Reflection of “How Economic Development Helps the World’s Women”

            According to Richard Florida, in the article “How Economic Development Helps the World’s Women”, he discusses that economy is related to women’s rights. GWI, which is called the Global Women's Index, has shown people that a country's economy is related to women’s social status.  Florida believes that women face less discrimination and they will be more respected by others in developed country. The places that are more appropriate to women’s live are Europe, North America and Australia, says author. There are many reasons why women in developed countries can have higher level in society. For example, people who live in developed countries believe women have the same abilities for jobs as men. Due to women have better social abilities people believe that women are even more suitable than men in post industry. However, women who living in some countries like Asian, South America, and Africa, are difficult or impossible to achieve individually economic opportunities and equal rights. According to Florida, women’s social’s status does not only help women to get more rights, but also improve the level of economic development. The higher social stats women get, the better for the society to develop. 

 Many researches have shown that the economic development can help women to have more rights and higher status in society. Since women are more suitable in postindustrial economy, people should pay more attention to women, action is louder than words. In the near future, Women will dominant the middle class and as people are more educated, women’s social level will be another higher level.

Florida, Richard. “How Economic Development Helps the World's Women” Jan 12, 2012