Group 1 Presentation Response

No child, of any age, neither in the first world nor the third world, should have to tolerate such harsh labor. Yes, families may be in dire need of financial help, but it is morally incorrect to deliberately place a child in harm’s way. Children need not bear the burden of their family but be able to enjoy their childhood, free of forced labor, unsanitary conditions, and maltreatment. We, or the federal government, could prevent the occurrence of child labor by requiring US companies to adhere to specific labor regulations and frequently inspecting US owned factories that exist overseas, unannounced, to ensure that they abide by the mandatory regulations. Child labor is not necessary for underprivileged countries to survive, but child labor does in fact prevail because we have and are allowing it to.

Response to Group 6 Blog

Very valid points were made by Groups 6’s blog concerning the question posed concerning the relationship between first world career-oriented women and third world migrant women. I can see how there is a great divide but I also feel that the similarities are not properly acknowledged.

            As we can tell by the perspectives of Ehrenreich and Hochschild they seem to believe in this “invisible woman” role being played by the woman who is a migrant worker. I can understand why at times a migrant worker would appear invisible. The reason for this is merely because a woman who is strong in her career would also strive to be just as dominant and excel just as highly in all other aspects of life. For a woman to admit that she does not have the time she would like to raise a child on her own is not necessarily something she may be proud of or want to declare openly, especially amongst other women. Every mom wants to be “super mom” and succeed in motherhood. Women who have a family as well as a career are those who strive to have it all. In this day and age it is necessary for the men and women of a household to work because of the financial difficulties. These are the necessary steps taken in order to provide their family a secure and shining future. The enlisted help of a nanny or housekeeper brought on by migrant workers is what it takes for he show to go on in such households. With this kind of desperate call for undeniable help there is a large amount of migrants who find work due to career-oriented women working so hard themselves.

            The similarities between these two types of women are undeniable to me. Both women are working hard to support themselves and their families. Women take on the role of providers both here in America and other first world countries, and even in Nepal where it because vital due to the push and pull factors. The similarities between struggling single mothers in our country as well as the women in places like Nepal who are on their own once their husbands leave to find work, resemble each other closely. Women are doing what they have to and taking on more “masculine” roles even if that means not being able to keep up with the “feminine” roles.

            There is a definite difference in these women when it comes to opportunity and privilege but the innate qualities in these two classes of women are in fact the same and often have similar driving forces behind their actions during this time of globalization and migration. 

Response to Group 6 Blog

Women of the Third World could make the transition from their home to a foreign country more alleviating by communicating with their loved ones regularly. Advances in technology have enabled us to connect with one another through cell phones, email, Facebook, or even Skype. These types of technology may not have been readily available to Nepal women in their homeland, but as they migrate to the First World, they may learn how to utilize the technology we take for granted.

            As women migrate in search of better paying jobs, their children are often left in the care of others. This experience may have positive or negative effects on children. As Einrich and Hoschild mention in Global Women: Nannies, Maids, and Sex Workers in the New World Economy, Josephine is a nanny from Sri Lanka who sought to support her children but had to leave them in the care of her sister as she migrated. As explained, the youngest children were afflicted by their mother’s departure and one of them even attempted suicide. Perhaps the children were not old enough to understand the situation and held anger or resentment towards their mother for leaving. On the contrary, the oldest child was more understanding and even admired his mother for her efforts. He may be motivated by his mothers hard work and strive to provide his family a better life. Nevertheless, the effects that the travel and distance of migrant work has on the children of women participating in “women’s work” are often psychological and vary from situation to situation. However, such psychological effects can and do alter children’s self-perceptions and achievements, as described in the reading.

Common Goals across a Great Divide (Gina Bertagna, Lauren Bailey, and Zara Atcha)

What is the relationship between first world career-oriented women and third world migrants?

     

Response to the text:

Ehrenreich and Hochschild see the career-oriented women and third-world immigrant relationship as an employer and employee on a great divide of privileges and opportunities. According to them, “women in western countries have increasingly taken on paid work, and hence need other-paid domestics and caretakers for children and elderly people-to replace them" (193). Ehrenreich and Hochschild seem to find that immigrant women, particularly those employed in areas of domestic work, are not typically viewed as equals to the upper-class working women in richer societies. Another example of this claim is that the “ 'care deficit' that has emerged in the wealthier countries as women enter the workforce pulls migrants from the third world and postcommunist nations; poverty pushes them" (193). So the women who migrated from their homes are working for the career-oriented women, who are in-turn juggling two roles: career women and housewives.

Ehrenreich and Hochschild. “Global Woman: Nannies, Maids, and Sex Workers in the New Economy” in Globalization: The Transformation of Social Worlds, eds. D. Stanley Eitzen and Mazine Baca Zinn, 188-196. 

One point of view:

I think from what we read Ehrenreich and Hochschild are somewhat correct in describing their relationship; however, it seems they are comparing two opposite poles in that the women mentioned in the readings all seem pretty wealthy (upper class or upper-middle class). What about the career-oriented women in the middle class or working class?

From a different perspective:

What I find interesting is the interconnectivity of the two classes or professions. Without these hired helpers, the more "sophisticated" or privileged areas of work for women may not be possible. Women who believe themselves to be of a higher rank neglect the reality that they have actually entered into a relationship much like that of a marriage--in which the domestic servant fills the stereotypical "feminine" duties and the now liberalized women can move out into the workforce, a more "masculine" area. What these women ought to consider is not their fortune, but rather, their equally as a restricted lot in life. Giving women servants is not giving them freedom--it's exchanging one problematic situation for another, and all at the expense of women.

If working women were perhaps provided with better employment opportunities, reduced-cost childcare, more flexible hours for childcare providers, or any other recognition for responsibilities outside of the traditional "workplace," then perhaps domestic servitude would not be the booming industry that it is. Once societies recognize that parenthood (whether motherhood, fatherhood, or caregiver-hood) and domestic work are just as valuable and strenuous as other occupations, then the push and pull factors for immigration will be cut in half. The expectation that this burden of parenthood and domestic duty should largely fall on the woman is another directly related issue.

So, career-oriented women and third-world immigrants? One in the same in my eyes. These restricting jobs may be at different stages in the game, but they are both playing by sexist rules and are thereby inherently connected.

A video on the perceptions of what "duties" working women neglect:

Group 6 Nepal Women Migrant Workers

Mayra: What is leading these women to migrate in search of work?
After watching this clip of the women in Nepal their lives are a lot harder than I'm sure any of us can imagine simply because we live in one of the richer countries of the world (despite our economic crisis as of now). The cause to why a lot of women from Nepal are migrating to richer countries is simply because they too have families that they have to provide for. Here we have a correlation with the Third World Woman and the Woman of the First World they both are trying to provide for their families whether it is for the basic human necessities or luxuries that women want to provide for their families. So here's a question for you: What are some ways that these women can make living far away from their homes easier?

Mayra: Question # 2 What kind of jobs are they migrating for? The jobs that these migrants are looking for are jobs that most people in foreign countries do not want to do. For example, migrant women from Nepal are looking for those jobs such as house cleaners, nannies, factory workers etc. These jobs are the jobs that the "New Women" do not want to do or simply don't have the time to do. So here's another question: What effects do you think the children of those women who migrate might have when they are older?


According to Koser, women's reputations amongst migrants have increased since the 1960s and now more than half of all migrant workers are women.  The causes of this shift are because global demand is more gender selective, more women are able to travel for family reunions, of changes in gender relations and due to the fact that the "Maid Trade", Mail Order Bride, and sex industries are booming.  The women that are the most susceptible or vulnerable to exploitation when migrating for work are the poor, uneducated women.  An example of this exploitation was that of a 40-year-old mother of two who was waiting on money from her husband who worked abroad in Kuwait, hover no money ever came.  She was uneducated and illiterate so when she decided to migrate to the Gulf for work, she was told she had to pay $1000 for travel expenses and then when she got there, after selling off most of her land to pay for the expense, the wages were significantly lower than what she had been told.  She barely had enough money for living expenses, let alone enough to send home to her children in hopes of giving them an education.  Her employer went out of business, without any severance compensation of any kind, and she was forced to return to Nepal unemployed, broke, and in debt.  -Meagan

In Nepal, the men have always been seen as the provider for their family.  It has changed over time with women taking part in providing for the family through working.  The men have begun to take jobs in the large cities with the intent of sending money back home to take care of their family.  While the men are gone, the women are being pushed into the workforce to help raise their family.  As a result, the women are being exploited because of their lack of education and severe need of income.  The women in Nepal have assumed the primary role of provider given the lack of a male presence.-Matt

These women are sacrificing everything they have in order to provide for their families and it truly is disappointing to learn of the exploitation they are subject to. Although exploitation exists not only in third world countries, it makes it all the more unfortunate because when women like the one in this video sacrifice everything they have, it truly is everything and once the damage is done they are left with nothing. By attempting to take such leaps of faith and migrating to foreign countries where language and culture is a huge barrier, I would argue that these women have a lot more nerve than most. Speaking in general terms, most people are afraid of moving to a neighboring city because their favorite local grocery store won't be as close.  These women in Nepal show the characteristics of a leader and one with courage. I think this signifies that in the home, these women sprout hope instead of defeat. I mean, the woman in this video is not in the epitome of her youth and she is still hopeful for a change. At the same time, these high hopes can backfire in the home after her failed attempts creating conflict among the family members and disappointment leading to a never ending cycle of regret. - Lina Norena

Group 1 Presentation Blog: Labor within Factories and Sweatshops

 

Child labor, which predominantly occurs within third world countries, is an exploitive method used by mass corporations to increase financial profits. Corporations such as Nike and Wal-mart transfer their companies overseas to pay children a reduced amount of money to produce a product that would have otherwise cost more to manufacture within the US. As a result, US employees lose their jobs to millions of children who are deprived of their childhood, an education, and fair earnings. What these corporations fail to realize, or may not even want to acknowledge, is that they have and are harming the development of children. Although a majority of these children come from poor working-class families, do you believe they have an obligation to work long, arduous hours in confined spaces and unhealthy environments to help support their families financially? Why or why not?

This is reality, but can we make a difference?
  

The video documents a Chinese girl who left her family

 to earn extra income to send back home. 

Note: All other parts are available on YouTube.

Child laborers in a sweatshop in New Delhi were rescued 

from the harsh conditions.

After having been informed about the unjust conditions of child labor and labor in general within sweatshops and factories, how do you suggest we stop or reduce the continuance of such labor? Furthermore, is child labor a necessity for underprivileged countries to survive or are we simply choosing not to take action?

http://www.unicef.org/protection/statistics.html

This UNICEF link provides statistics on child labor for each country. 

Click on a continent to see the percentage of child labor in the different regions.

Women Activists

/http://womensmediacenter.com/blog/2012/01/exclusive-occupying-the-occupy-movement/

In a world where capitalism is dominated by men, women are left to suffer as victims of the many inequalities created by globalization and defective economic systems. Women perform 60% of work worldwide, they earn 10% of income, and own 10% of the land (Eitzen and Bacca Zinn, 243). Do these statistics exaggerate reality or merely emphasize it? We, as a society, are aware that gender is an important factor in determining one’s employment position and income. For this reason, women have and are coming together to make their voices be heard and to bring change through women’s movements. Numerous studies have been conducted to prove and support the fact that there is a substantial difference in the earnings and wages of men and women.

http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2009/01/wage_gap_numbers.html

http://www.womensmedia.com/new/Lips-Hilary-gender-wage-gap.shtml

http://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/1984/06/art3full.pdf

          Sociological concepts such as the “glass ceiling” help us understand and recognize the barriers that prevent women from progressing and rising to top levels at work. Those of which include, but are not limited to,  “sex-segregated training and educational programs, restrictive eligibility requirements, seniority rights, the lack of training and career development opportunities, excessive time commitments, as well as the lack of family-sensitive employee benefits that constrain women's promotional opportunities" (Harlan, Berheide 4). Moreover, the patriarchy that prevails in Occupy movements further progresses the oppression of women in the job market and the work force. As the article argues, women, not only men, should protest against the high unemployment rates, corruption, and the social and economic disparities that exist among the 99% and the 1%. 

        Women need not be afraid to step up and “respond to the top-down challenges posed by a world economy reshaping the world system” (Ferree 292). Therefore, the Occupy movement has turned into a women’s movement.  However, women activists have quickly realized that they are not supported by nor are they  safe from fellow male occupiers.  Many of these women are protesting and speaking out for more specific purposes and rights, women’s rights.  These rights consist of: nonviolence, safe space to occupy, equal pay, and most importantly economic equality.  These movements have not been local but exist worldwide.  Women’s rights have been repressed but now immerse throughout the world due to globalization.  Women from Slovenia, Italy, Australia, and many other places, have made public objections by protesting on the streets and  fighting for their rights and desires.  These women’s movements were and are a large positive ramification of this century’s globalized world.  Women now know that they are not alone and can connect or relate to women from all over the world, to stand united, and fight for equality.  This movement is quite similar to a snowball barreling down a large mountain. With each and every yard, more and more people will come together until its overwhelming size trounces the oppressions that it once faced. Women's message for true equality will be carried out to every corner of the globe, slowly but surely.  The Occupy movement has brought new light to women’s movements and has given it the push needed to establish a strong force.  With this being said, we should recognize this movement, not a feminist movement, but as a women's movement.  This movement is not advocating gender equality and many other aspects that feminists are associated with.  It is a women’s movement advocating social, but predominantly economic, equality for women so they no longer have to tolerate male hegemony.

Do you agree with the article's recommendations for changing the direction of the occupy movements? The writer clearly states the need of change from public occupation to more repetetive demonstrations, and a shift of leadership to a largely female front. Or do you only agree with one (either the leadership change or the demonstration change)? 


Do you believe, maybe, that the occupy movement should entirely be a women's movement? Not just the men taking a step down, but completely leaving the protest's identity? Do you think there is a more effective way to have these women's movements gain more ground?