post 39

There are a wide variety of practices that needs to occur in order for there to be a balance between family and work. Not only for there to be a balance between family and work but also for equity between men and women. In the reading Gender on Trial, Holly English describes her new vision for the future. In the reading she addresses points to ending inequality in the workplace. The first point that she addresses is how legal services are “delivered.” Men and women should be able to work together and create a “healthy environment.” There should be a positive relationship between men and women in the occupation so that there is no stereotype and other negative accusations between both genders. Also, there should not have to be a definition for the term “real lawyer.” There should be new “traits that makes a good lawyer.” Holly English recommends that if the profession is able to re define the traits to a person being a “good lawyer” it gives each individual the opportunity to bring in and incorporate new “approaches” for their practices. A change in the ideal of authority and leadership can also contribute to ending the inequity between both genders. Men and women can benefit in leadership styles and management. Women and men can work together in high position of authority to create a more sufficient and positive workplace. A different view on commitment and parenthood can help improve balance and equality as well. Mothers and fathers that work in the law profession and request reduced hours will considered to be a “good father” or “good mother” and still be praised for their legal work instead of being put down negatively. Also, if society and people are able to look beyond traditional stereotypes it will contribute and aid in ending inequality between men and women workers.

Post 38

Judge Jane M. Bolin was born April 11, 1908 in Poughkeepsie, New York.
Judge Jane M. was America’s first African American to graduate for “Yale Law School.” Being the first African American women to graduate Yale Law School and also to be the first African American women to pass and join the “New York City Bar Association,” Bolin opened a door for minorities. Not only was she the first African American women to join the City Bar Association, Judge Jane M. Bolin was the first African American women to join the “city’s law department.” In the year of 1937, Judge Jane M. Bolin was then given the opportunity and was named the “Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of New York.” Mayor LaGuardia, recognized Judge Jane M. Bolin success and appointed her as the “judge of the Domestic Relations Court.” Judge Jane M. Bolin was the first African American woman to become a judge in the United States. There she served as a successful “judge for 40 years.”

In 1971 another women was recognized as being successful. Bella Abzug was a “graduate of Hunter College and Columbia University Law School.” Bella Abzug, in 1971, was elected to Congress. She was elected to Congress to serve as a representative from “New York's 19th district.” According to “ Women in The Practice Law,” Bella Abzug was always known for her talent in the “house as a labor lawyer.” She believed and fought for civil rights and women’s rights. Bella had organized a “Women strike for peace.” She also went against the Vietnam war which “called a withdrawal in the troops.” Bella contributed a great deal of effort for civil rights and women rights. She created and presented a book which goes in depth of her arguments and experiences. Bella Abzug wrote and always spoke for those “of the unheard voices.”

Post 37

The report, “Charting Our Progress, by the American Bar Association Commission on Women in the Profession,” holds many similarities with the reading, Gender on Trial. Although, it is a struggle for women in the areas of advancement, the percentage of women entering this particular profession has increased. Women entering “law schools, law firm partnership, general counselors, and judiciary” (Charting our Progress) continues to increase. Gender has always viewed and stereotypes has always been placed on each gender. Women in particular still holds particular stereotypes of femininity. The findings from the reading and from the report, states that women are still perceived based on stereotypes. Still women are perceived as “too bossy, too aggressive, not aggressive enough, too emotional, or too strident” (Charting our Progress). As explained in the readings and in the report women are still trying to balance work and family. Although, research as shown that more occupations are becoming more flexible with work and family. Women still believe that it is too risky to work part time or flexible hours. Women still believe that their position is at risk if they choose to flex hours or choose to work part time. The reading also explains how those who take these chances are often not considered to be “real lawyers” (Gender on Trial). Workers believe that their chances for opportunity is limited as well as “promotions” (Charting Our Progress). These two readings also addresses the inequality of diversity. Women of color, gays, and lesbians, experience a greater struggle when working in law professions. Also, elder women who are just entering into law professions have difficulty in areas of advancement as well. Some recommendations that both these readings present are to be flexible and create a new vision for the future. Creating more diversity in the work areas and getting rid of the glass ceiling. I believe that these few recommendations can aid in improving the inequity in women workers.

post 36

The glass ceiling has been cracked however, never broken. Women have always competed against men in their professions. Although, there is a rise in women graduating and working, women still have not yet reached to break the glass ceiling. It is a challenge for women to break the glass ceiling because women experience more problems then men. One of the big issues that women experience is time. In order to reach the top it requires very long work weeks. It is easier for men to work these long hours because men are not traditionally nurtures. Since the traditional role for women is to be nurtures, it takes time to attend to parenting. Since women are being required to work long extensive hours and go through the stereotypes and struggles some women end up ending their position. According to the recording, corporate America requires workers to work long hours during the week which causes women to end their jobs. Women observe how challenging it can be and sometimes quit because they want to have a life and have time for family. I believe that corporate America can’t lure women back into workforce because of the time that is required. For women that have responsibilities such as parenting, corporate America would not be able to retrieve these workers unless the requirement of hours is decreased. However, women who have children and have already raised their children re enter into corporate America. Some women create their own business as a way of re entering into corporate America. Though men are still considered to be the ideal workers, women workers are continuing to increase. However, even though these women workers are continuing to increasing there are those who still decide to leave corporate America because of the stress that remains within it. At what time will the glass ceiling be broken? It is a very difficult journey for women to over take this goal.

Post 35

The document that was present by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, presents practices that can improve family and work. As we know women who work fulltime hours and are mothers, are put at a huge disadvantage for more opportunities at work. After giving birth to a child management styles and leadership styles change for some women at work according to Gender on Trial. Also, time becomes a huge factor in parenting. This is where work and home conflict with each other. Mothers have to choose whether to spend more time at work, working full time hours. Or spending a lot of their time at home with their child or children. If mothers take the role to spend more time at home rather then work means that their hours are reduced or they made the transition to part time. This transition however, can create problems in the areas for advancement according to the reading, Gender on Trial. In the document written by, Joanna L. Grossman it proposes practices that can improve “workers ability to balance family and work.” Joanna L. Grossman document proposes that companies go “beyond” to adopt practices that will improve these workers situations. By creating a family friendly environment and workplace can help improve the workers performance. Not only can this type of workplace can improve workers performance, it can also improve the balance between family and work. This allows the workers to have the opportunity to flex hours or reduce their work hours without having to stress if they will be able to have the same opportunity for advancement. Men and women experience this challenge. However, according to Joanna Grossman, it is more likely found in women. Child care responsibilities, whether it is their own child or aging parents, is a responsibility that most women experience. Practicing in some of the recommendations that the EEOC presents can help improve the balancing between work and family.

Post 34

Juggling work and family came be difficult for mothers and fathers. As explained in our reading and the material that was presented, trying to balance family and work can hurt a woman’s career. According to Joan Williams, the press and media displays a pretty “distorted impression of work and family.” The impression that the media portrays to society is misleading. In the video clip, Joan William categorizes family and work into three different classes. The first group is the low wage women, then the missing middle, and last the professional women. With these three different groups women experience a variety of struggles. The low wage women get hit the hardest when it comes to juggling work and family. This group usually consist of single mother women. The reason low wage women are at a high disadvantage, is because they usually they rely on friends or family members for child care arrangements. As read previously in our reading, child care arrangements are more likely to break down then any other care arrangements. According to Joan Williams, the children of this group or more likely to experience illness and health issues. They are also more likely not to have health insurance. These findings presented by Joan William correlates with material from the reading, Gender on Trial because both explains the struggle and challenges these mothers face when working in inflexible work places. Joan William also explains the issues of the missing middle women. These women are usually married however, those who are married “experience a high divorce rate” (Joan William). The reason for this is both the father and mother usually work. However, to try and balance work and family, they “tag team” in child care arrangements. When one get off of work the other leaves for work. This hurts the relationship of the two simply because there is no balance with work and family. They do not have the time to spend with each other as a whole. The last group that Joan mentioned was the professional women. These women work long hours and many are viewed as “unhappy.” Usually, the reason that women quit their job is because they want to be the nurtures and primary caregiver for their child. Also, because men are viewed as the “breadwinners” and according to Joan William, men usually work the longest hours 50 to 60 per week. Women therefore, quit there job so that their partner can work the long hours. In the reading, “Gender on Trial,” it also states that men are the “breadwinners” and women traditional roles are to be “nurturers.” Both the reading and the material explains and demonstrates how balancing work and family can be challenging and also bring problems. In one report a women who was working for a small job ended up giving birth early to her premature child. She was then laid off from work after they told her she still had her position and was getting maternity leave. Women experience situations like this in many workplaces. Some occupations are stern about time off, flexible hours, reduced hours, and part time. Work/ life balance is a big issue that many parents face.

Post 33

Opportunities in advancement for women is not easy. Women are still perceived to be incompetent in the eyes of men. Women advancing in the legal profession is slowly rising however, the glass ceiling still has not been broken. Many women are advancing in the field in of law however, in order for these women to get these advancement they go through a lot of challenges and struggles. One woman who has advanced significantly is Sonia Sotomayor. Though a good example that shows how gender is an issue with justice and law is the example that Sonia Sotomayor stated, “there is only one woman in the Justice Supreme Court.” Women are still not getting the equal opportunity for advancement which pushes them in some cases to leave these big firms. In the report, “Women's History Month: Cracking The Glass Ceiling One Client At A Time,” the women who was previously working for a large firm had to end their positions there in order to take it upon themselves to advance in the legal profession. Therefore, these two women started their own firm. They ran the risk of a pay cut, in which they received, however, they were given the opportunity for advancement. Hilary Clinton has also opened new doors for advancement for women. Sarah Palin has also contributed to areas for advancement for women. She was able to advance to a nominee for a position in the Vice Presidential position. Some challenges that these women run into or has experienced is stereotype and judgments. Like Sonia Sotomayar these women who experience these advancement experience media attention and strict criticism. Another challenge that women experience is inequity in treatment. Women constantly are put to the test to prove their competency. Another challenge that these women face is juggling work and family. These women who work in the legal profession and who has children, biggest challenge in separating the two as well as juggling work and parenting.

post 32

In the year of 2000, 64.5 percent of women lawyers believed that combing the “roles of a lawyer with that of a wife and mother” (Gender on Trail, pg. 222). Women are more likely to serve as primary caregivers rather than the spouse or father. However, when both parties are working full time hours they are “unable to focus” (pg.223). The traditional values of motherhood for women lawyers can conflict with management styles at work. For an example, there was a successful attorney who found out that she was pregnant. However, she did not say anything to no one about her pregnancy until she was about seven months pregnant. Once she finally said and gave the news, the “head of the management committee” responded by stating how she “seemed so professional” (Gender on Trial, pg. 228). Her type of management style was the aggressive (man) style however, once she became pregnant and gave birth her management style conflicted with the “nurturing mother” style. Men who have children most of their wives don’t work. Therefore, they are able to work long full time hours. However, for the mother she is sometimes pushed to work part time to nurture her child. Women who are high in power with children are “viewed as suspect parents” (Gender on Trial, pg. 230) more then men. Women who are high in power with children experience “hurtful assumptions” from her co workers. Women high in power either down play her position to “maximize her “good mother” role. Or she is pushed to down play her “mother role” to maximize her “position” (Gender on Trial, pg. 231). Women lawyers try not to show their “motherly type” in the workplace. For an example, a mother who was a lawyer tried not to talk about her kids and show pictures of her children. She did this little test to see if she would advance in the direction she was planning.

blog 31

Just like in every other jobs some things comes up, some things change, and sometimes a person is not able to work full time. Working with in the field of the law and working part-time causes different sets of commotion. Lawyers working part-time hours are not viewed by full time employers as a “real lawyer.” Women in the law especially experience this type of labeling because they are considered to be nurtures. Work/life balance is a problem mainly for women in the legal field. Other employees working in this field view part time employees as inequitable and there is not commitment. Being a women and requesting to flex hours can serve as a disadvantage to the mother. According to the reading, working part time can be perceived as that lawyers dedication. If a person request to have their hours flexed or reduced others may look at that person as if they are not dedicated to their job. Being a mother, it is important to try and balance work and her family life. It becomes difficult because if a woman does ask for this change of schedule then she is at risk of “pulling herself out of the race” (Gender on Trial, pg. 203). Those who began to work part time or reduced hours then often complain, according to “Gender on Trial.” They began to feel as if they are perceived as being “less visible, important, and worthy than others” (Gender on Trial, pg. 203). These mothers and individuals who request a part time or reduced schedule run the risk of not getting the best assignments. The also run the risk of not being able to “make partner” (Gender on Trial, pg. 204). Their opportunities become limited and the chance to advance in the business is a small possibility. Mothers who try and balance their family and work life is placed at a disadvantage within their company.

blog 30

According to the reading, Gender on Trial, leadership styles have been limited for women and increased for men. Leadership styles have served as disadvantage to women and advantage for men lawyers. Part of the problem today in law, is that there are not as many women who hold a high position. Due to the gender gap and gender expectations women are now at a stand still. In the video clip, “Shared Leadership: The Value Women Leaders Bring,” it was explained how women do not get the same opportunity as men. It explained how our country could benefit if women also held higher positions. However, that is still not accomplished. In the same video clip, the interviewee stated that “the glass ceiling has never been broken.” In my opinion I do not believe that it has been broken too. Just as she stated it may have been cracked but never broken. Due to stereotypes that men place on women, it is going to be a struggle for a women to finally reach and break the glass ceiling. The pipeline theory has not been proven right for women. The myth that if “they are able to get enough women at the lower levels of the pipeline then they will come out on top” is not correct. Women are still at the lower levels of the pipeline and still have not gotten the same opportunity for equality. If women were given the chance there would be many positive outcomes. One would be equality, advancement, and more opportunities for both genders.
Women bring different experiences and different styles of managing to the table. In the reading it presents that if women “talk in the ways that are expected of women,” then that woman is liked but not respected. However, if a woman of authority talk in a way that is “expected of a man,” then she is “not likely to be liked, but is respected.” The conventional views of leadership styles projects that men are more “expected to be aggressive” and women are not suppose to show signs of aggression. Women are to project signs of “nurture and inclusive” (Gender on Trial, pg. 115). This serves as a disadvantage to women because if they show signs of aggression it is “double bind.” It contradicts the gender expectations of women being nurtures, nice, kind, and “supportive behaviors.” It is an advantage to men because men are already perceived to be the aggressive ones. These expectation for both genders frame expected leadership behaviors. Women are expected to take the “nice” style approach when managing. This approach is expected because it is the more “caring, supportive” approach. When women take a different approach of managing such as the aggressive approach she may be looked at as a “bitch” and not following the norms of femininity. The stereotype of women behavior does not expect women to be aggressive. For an example, I work for a bank and there were three male vice presidents who ran the floor. However, when one of the male vice presidents moved to a different site, the bank hired a woman. When we were in our meeting everyone was wondering who she was. No one expected her to hold the position she was holding. My first perception of her without hearing her speak was that she was going to be nice. However, when in a meeting she was very aggressive and did not display the “nice style” approach. Therefore, my immediate thought of her was that she was rude and mean. Due to stereotype and what we were taught our roles as a female are since birth added to my perception of her. Though now, I understand her style of approach and I soon grew to adjust to her managing style.
Another style of management, in which personally if I were asked to choose a style, would be the “middle of the road approach.” This style of management I personally like and would prefer is because it incorporate a little of both of the other styles of managing. With this style of managing it allows the person to “be assertive and also graceful.” It gives the opportunity to “command respect and yet still be fun to be around.”

Blog 29

Being a woman, especially a woman of color, holds a lot of stereotypes and expectations. After listening to the report, “Why So Few Minority Women Stay at Law Firms,” I had noticed many similarities as well as differences compared to the reading. Some similarities that I observed were how the women were treated by men. Still women of color are getting the same treatment as far as stereotypes and harassment goes. women in general that works in law receive a great deal of stereotypes and harassment. Although, the level of harassment between a woman of color and a white woman may differ, both races still are stereotyped. However, the difference is that women of color have to work twice as hard. According to the report, there are only 4 percent of minorities in the law firm. Some law firms are trying to work on employing more women of color, however, because of the inequality and struggle women of color is put through, forces them to leave their job. From the report most of the women stated that “it wasn’t worth it.” The treatment that these women are put through makes them feel as if the position is not worth being disrespected. How can a person work for justice but yet does not display justice within each other? The whole purpose of lawyers is to fight for justice. It confuses me to observe and hear about lawyers practicing this act of injustice when they are taught and fighting for justice in cases. Women of all races should be equally treated. Women of color should have the same equality as everyone else. In the report, a woman stated that the reason minorities leave is because it is exhausting, stereotypical, and biased. If lawyers can’t display justice within themselves how can they stand and fight for justice for their clients.

Blog 28

Sonia Sotomayor, an intelligent woman from the Hispanic decent, experienced harsh criticism by a republican writer, Jeffrey Rosen. Being a woman in a superior position can bring a lot of criticism, judgment, and media attention. Sonia Sotomayor is now a member of the Supreme Court. She has experienced many negative comments and stereotypes because she is a woman and is also Puerto Rican. Some men do not believe that women should hold the same power as they do. I believe Sonia Sotomayor is being criticized only because men are afraid that it will be a turning point for women and minorities. In the report that Jeffrey Rosen presented stated a lot of negative critiques about Sonia Sotomayor. It explained however, that Sonia Sotomayor was “too vain, too temperamental, and too stupid.” She was critique in this way only because she is a woman. Men feel the need that women should prove their intelligence. Men believe that women are incompetent until proven otherwise. Jeffrey Rosen proposed this information to the media after he cropped out quotes. The actual documents that was given to him also had presented how Sonia Sotomayor was smart. By Jeffrey Rosen not presenting this information and only presenting the negative critiques, proved how men do not want women to be seen as competent. They describe Sonia Sotomayor as temperamental. This reflects on how men and women are portrayed. Sonia Sotomayor is not allowed to be toughed because if she portrays to be tough then according to men, she is considered to be temperamental. However, it is allowed for men to be toughed. If a male judge is tough then they are portrayed positively. In the report it compares Sonia Sotomayor to Scalia. Since Scalia is a male, it is ok for him to ask hard questions, be tough, and “duel harshly with litigants.” However, if Sonia Sotomayor does exactly the same thing she is picked out to be mean, too harsh, temperamental, and difficult.

blog 27

The competency gap remains between men and women in law. Women have always portrayed to be the ones who were not intelligent. They were portrayed to be the housewife (Mona Lisa Smile). Society has created many stereotypes and perceptions of women. Male continues to be the dominant ones in workplaces. Men continue to hold the superior positions in law and continue to be the hierarchy. If this was not the case and women were equal to men, we would have had a history of multiple female presidents for the United States. Women have to work hard to earn their title and position. Women have to struggle and fight harder to gain respect and status. Most importantly women is constantly put to the test to prove their competency. Women lawyers are looked down upon when it comes to intelligence. When running against a male lawyer in a case, the male lawyer feels that he has power over the female. Women is portrayed to be as less incompetent then men. In cases men try to use their stereotypical “power over women” to win cases. Some men automatically believe that women lawyers or judges are “idiots” (pg. 81). It gives women the advantage to prove them wrong. However, is that what women are always fighting to do? Prove men wrong? It is unfair that women have to go through this struggle. In that profession some men constantly underestimates women competency. Still today, women are perceived to be weaker then men and has to “prove themselves otherwise.” This type of behavior is not only directed towards lawyers but also towards women judges. Sonia Sotomayor experienced this type of judgment herself with Sen. Lindsey Graham. While sitting in front of Sen. Lindsey Graham, Sonia Sotomayor was attacked with critiques. To me, I believe that Sen. Lindsey Graham was trying to show power and authority of men. When will the day come for women to have the same power, respect, and authority as men do?

Blog 26

“Men continue to dominate” (Gender on Trial, pg. 78) the profession of law. Male dominance and power is observed in that particular profession. Men assisting women lawyers are still looked at to be the superior ones rather then the female. In the reading, there was one incident when the lawyer discussing information and had a male assisting her. During this time she was speaking, eye contact was on the male. Eye contact as stated in the reading means “validity.” No eye contact sends a message of “dismissive” (Gender on Trial, pg. 79). Men role in assisting women is obvious. Men are the superior ones, the ones automatically receive respect, most competent, and have more power then women. Men is considered to be the leaders, therefore portrays to be the role models for women lawyers. Women are constantly undermined. This reflects to the law being a gendered organization because women are not getting the same creditably and respect as men do. Women are constantly being underestimated and their status does not get the same respect as men do. Not only is it towards gender but those of another race is greatly impacted with the perception of competence. It is bad enough that women are not seen as competent but as far as those who are minorities, competence is “complex.” Still women are not receive the same equality as men. For an example, in the reading a woman who was the managing partner of her firm had vendors come would take a seat and sit faced towards the “male partners” without recognizing her. She would have to inform the vendors of her status and their “body language shifted.” People first perception and thought of a lawyer is male. That is because of tradition and history and the roles of women. Although, this firm is trying to close the gender gap, it still is a gendered organization.

Post 25

Sexualized behavior is a “weapon” that is used in many workplaces. This “weapon in the arsenal” can be a benefit for women or it can create a downfall as well. Sexuality is presented everywhere and especially in media. Media presents women lawyers as sexy and beautiful. Women sometimes use their sexuality to get what they want. Some benefits women get when using their sexuality can be advancement. Women sometimes to gain advancement in their careers “flirt to facilitate relationships with colleagues” (Gender on Trial, pg. 42). Women lawyers sometimes use their charm to create relationships with clients as well. In the reading one male lawyer stated if he were presenting a case and observed a women lawyer flirting or using her “little girl charm” (pg. 42), he would say she has the advantage over him. Women know that their sexuality can benefit them. Some women even know how to dress for different judges. One female lawyer stated in the reading she was informed she was getting a certain judge for her case. Therefore, she stated she was going to wear a shorter skirt for him. There was another lawyer that noticed a correlation with sexuality and benefits, so when she was on trial she noticed a certain jury was looking at her therefore, she raised her skirt up a little. Women are aware of these benefits to their sexuality. However, there are not going to always be pros to using their sexuality as a weapon. Using sexuality as a weapon opens up stereotypes about women professionalism. Using sexuality can hurt a lawyers profession, it is “too risky” (pg. 44).Women have to know when and when not to use their sexuality for advancement. Some people approve of it and some disagree with it. Some of those who start working and main priority is to use their sexuality will “slide down a slippery slope” (Gender on Trial, pg. 43).

Blog 24

Interviewing my cousin, who is currently a law student, advised me that the best advice to give is, “don’t give up.” Jamila Anderson, my cousin, is a African American women. She stated that being in law school is a struggle and is very challenging. One of the questions that I asked her was how did she feel being a women of color and studying law. She stated to me that it is difficult because her peers expect more from her. She advised to me that she is pushed to work harder. She informed me that she does experience some cases of discrimination against women. Jamila stated that women in law is invisibility evaluated differently then the men. Women have to pay close attention and have to constantly try to prove themselves that they are equal to men.
According to the reading, there is little question that women are able to do “legal work as well as men” (Gender on Trial, pg. 75). Today there is still a “genderation gap” (Gender on Trial, pg. 76). For women lawyers being in a male dominant occupation creates a sense of “oddness” (pg. 78). I presented this information to my interviewee, once I asked is she felt odd being in a male dominant occupation, she stated that it only encourages her to strive further. I asked Jamila what is her primary goal, she responded stated that she wants her own law firm. The reason why she want to create her own law firm is because she does not want to be under another rules and experience stereotypes and demeaning judgments. In the reading, it states that women are under “strict scrutiny.” In male dominant areas, women are more closely watched then men. Women are underestimated about their performance in work. Due to gender and traditional roles and stereotypes women in law is put at a disadvantage which requires them to work harder then men.

Blog 23

According to the recording, The Fashion Laws of Politics, “clothing and style is an important political weapon.” Clothing can be misinterpreted and can be judged. The type of clothing that women lawyers or politicians wear is symbolic. With the first lady Michelle Obama, Obama style is said to be modern and progressive. According to The Fashion Laws of Politics, she wears a lot of dresses and not traditional suits of Washington. Michelle Obama wears a lot of clothing that shows her curves, which is not traditional. One speaker in the recording identified Michelle Obama style with race. Stating that culturally, Michelle Obama is representing the black style of dressing. In the reading, Gender on Trial, women began to “reject” the “faux-male power suits.” Women lawyers, at first, paid close attention to what they wore to work however, now there has been a turning point in style. Casual dress is not as popular as it use to be. Casual dressing caused different perceptions and confusion. In the reading it argues how a women appearance can bring questions. Depending how a women lawyer or politician is dressed questions “reliability” (Gender On Trial, pg. 28). Politicians or lawyers dressing holds a mass variety of risks. Some lawyers do not agree with the new style of dressing women lawyers are undergoing. In the reading, one older lawyer believed that a younger female lawyer was dressed too provocative. More of the older female lawyers are more conservative while the younger lawyers style is more modern or sometimes appear to be “sexy” (Gender on Trial, pg. 30). Women are always under constant watch. A women appearance can project a great amount of assumptions for the watching. Women in power have to pay close watch to their style of dressing such as for Michelle Obama. Michelle has to make sure that she remains professional and not project a threatening appearance.

Blog 22- Women Lawyers

Sonia Sotomayor is a strong Puerto Rican woman who was raised in South Bronx. Sonia Sotomayor childhood was an ordinary childhood that those in poverty experience. She lived in South Bronx public housing projects. Sonia Sotomayor lived in a single parented home after her father passed away. Sonia Sotomayor became who she is today because of her mother. Her mother was a strong believer in education, she believed “education is the key to everything” (A biological sketch of Sonia Sotomayor, video clip). Sonia Sotomayor became very interested in education because she believed if it was the key to everything then she would be able to do everything. Sonia Sotomayor did not believe she was a minority until she went to college. In the video clip she stated “I didn’t think of myself as a minority, didn’t know I had a sense of limitation.” Sonia soon learned that she had a limitation once she started at the university. Since she learned how to speak Spanish before English, Sonia Sotomayor had “complex sentence structure” when writing in English. Sonia Sotomayor became the 1st federal judge of Hispanic decent in 1992. Now, Sonia Sotomayor serves in the Supreme Court.
Gender and race was used towards Sonia Sotomayor to evaluate her qualifications. In a you tube video called, “Conservatives Call Sotomayor A Puerto Rican Terrorist” argued that she supported violent Puerto Rican terrorist. The media linked her to the Puerto Rican terrorist because she is from that race. Sonia Sotomayor also was verbally attack by Sen. Lindsey Graham when evaluating her performance as a judge. Some comments that were made towards her was that she was “difficult and challenging, terror on the bench, angry, overly aggressive, abusive towards lawyers, and temperament.” She was attacked by the same man who suggest John McCain for president, “who is legendary for temperament problems” (video clip, Sen. Graham Gets Personal with Sonia Sotomayor).

Blog 21

National Association of Female Correctional Officers is basically a nonprofit organization. This organization goals are to improve the working conditions in the prisons. They aiming towards improving the conditions in “prisons, jails, and correctional facilities.” In the reading, Briton also address the conditions of these institutions. He too, argued for implication for change in the prisons and correctional facilities. Since prison have been created women have experienced many different stereotypes and issues. Women have been viewed in many different ways from society and even their colleagues. In correctional facilities women experience sexual harassment and sexual assault. Women also, experience more rumors than men do in the facility as well. Although, men guards can also be accused of sexual harassment, women in men prison receive more. This organization is aiming towards preventing sexual assault and harassment in these types of facilities. Just like in the previous reading, Lois was a female officer that got held hostage by one of the inmates. During the 15 days that she was held hostage she was assaulted. Lois was raped by this inmate and sexually harassed. This is not the only case where female officers are sexually harassed or assaulted by inmates. Inmates see women and view women through a “sexual lens” (PowerPoint). Inmates also, try to seduce women, which makes it harder on a women because that is one more issue that she have to worry about when working in male prisons. The National Association of Female Correctional Officers are trying to make a difference and create a change. This organization continues to try and stop these assaults for women officers while on duty. Britton goal is to always strive for a change. Britton recommends that there be more training for men and women at these institutions so that they get a better understanding of the environment. He addresses that racial and sexual harassment should be addressed as well.

blog 20

Dora Schriro, was the first women “in the job.” Dora was recognized as the first women in the United States to have ran and headed “two state prison systems.” The reading, first off explains the awards and experiences of Dora. She had been in the prison system for a long period of time and achieved a lot. She was announced in the year of 1999 as the “nations top correctional director.” It is uncommon that a women would receive such credentials and recognitions let alone receive head position of a prison system. Dora came to Arizona to take over a “10 prison,” which had about 32,000 inmates. When Dora began working there had been some improvements and immediate changes that had taken place.

Arizona Lewis Prison was recognized as the site that had the longest “prison hostage crisis.” This unfortunate incident lasted for 15 days. Dora Schriro, was in charge and took immediate actions. It was confusion as to finding the basic information needed for the site. Schriro tried asking numerous guards about the tower that was taken hostage. In this tower there were 2 inmates that had taken prison guards hostage. This tower was designed not to have any weapons in it however, it consisted of “arsenal weapons” that was in the hands of the inmates. Schriro, discovered within hours of taking over that the security was “careless” and that there were no “uniformity” in the training.

At Work In The Iron Cage, identified many conditions and issues that can happen in prison. Britton argued that being a correctional officer can be dangerous at times. There are many issues that arise and in this case at the Arizona Lewis Prison, the inmates took two officers hostage. One was immediately hit in the head, and the other was raped. Lois, one of the officers that was held hostage, was new that prison site. While in the tower she opened the tower to a person who appeared to be another guard. The person that appeared to be a guard was an inmate. In relation to Britton arguments, prison systems can be violent and officers are not to trust inmates. Also, the gender stereotypes in the reading, reflected how male displayed women as a sign of weakness. Women are usually thought to react based upon emotions without thinking. Dora Schriro, did not act she tried to think of a plan and she had patience. She didn’t want anyone to get hurt they could have easily taken the building down though she didn’t want the hostages to get hurt. Lois also, while held hostage, thought before acting. Men believe that women act upon emotions as explained earlier, however, Lois did not panic and took everything to extreme she simply acted as if she did not know how to do anything because she was new. She acted as if she didn’t know how to load a rifle, open the gates, etc..

This situation at this prison displayed total institution because the who prison was effected by it. Not only were the prison affected by it but also others. Also, these prisons are considered as a total institution because it consist of “small class organizations” (pg. 3). These inmates lives there whole lives at these institutions. They basically have their own society however, within their society the have restrictions and rules that they have to follow.

Since prisons were created and established there have been gendered organizations. Everything is solely based on gender. According to the reading, male and females differ in these correctional facilities. Women, have more of the disadvantage then what men do. There is more expected of a women then a men because of the non traditional job. Even though the system is trying to be neutral it still is based off of masculinity. Masculinity traditionally reflects a man. In the article, Lois was perceived to be a sign of weakness. In relation to Britton, male colleagues feel that women guards are a sign a weakness. While in court during the hearing and trial of the inmate that had taken her hostage, she became nervous. During the ordeal she though of committing suicide which shows as a weakness to her giving up instead of fighting. On the other hand, men are viewed as masculine and therefore, they can handle more violent situations than a women. This type of occupation is engendered because the prison system have always been viewed as violence. It doesn’t “exist as a neutral bureaucratic entity.” Engendered in the prison is basically formed from “gender, race, class, and sexuality.” However, looking back at the article, Britton recommendations in the reading could have positively affected the situation. Since Britton recommends more training as one of the recommendations, I believe it could have overall helped the situation but do not know if it would have prevented it from happening.

Blog 19

Geena Davis spoke at the National Conference for Media Reform about “gender imbalance.” She began speaking about how when she was younger media still had female and male inequality. In the cartoons when she was younger and still today, she speaks about how there were not that many female characters in the shows. There were mostly male characters. She explains how these programs for children from the past and now, “show highly stereotyped sexualize female characters.” For an example, the smurfs there began with 100 smurfs with no female smurf. When there were one smurf created she was ugly, then one day the female smurf was the blonde beautiful. Then after she was beautiful the fellow smurfs accepted her. The media sends a very disturbing message to young kids which creates a problem for children while growing up. Geena Davis followed up with statistics which resulted in “3 out of 4 character in g rated movies were male.” From 1900 - 2005, characters that were in groups in a movie or film, only 17 percent were women. Throughout history there had only been a few female characters. There has not been any improvement in females being highly stereotyped. That raises a question what messages do these programs and the media send to kids? The message that Davis argued that is being promoted, is “women and girls are worth less then men and boys.” There is a massive unbalance between men and women. Even in the prison system there is still an unbalance in gender. Employment in men and women prisons, there are still more male prison guards then women guards. Also, those who serve as supervisors or wardens consist of mostly men. Male colleagues perceive women to be weaker. They feel that women have to business being there and the job is too dangerous and threatening for women. Male colleagues believe that the workplace is to violent for women. They question the physical strength of a women. Therefore, that put a disadvantage to women working as a correctional officer because women have to take actions in showing that they “can handle violence.” Therefore, women “volunteer for dangerous assignments” (PowerPoint) to prove that they can handle dangerous situations.

Blog 18

In the reading, At Work In The Iron Cage, the author Britton argues that the norm becomes masculine when institutions attempt to establish gender-neutral policies and practices. Being a correctional officer is perceived as a masculine job because it deals heavily with violence and danger and violence is also viewed as masculine. The institution tries to keep it gender neutral by having the same curriculum and have to have equal requirements. However, its norm still remain masculine when training takes place. The training is more masculine because it involves “self defense, firearms, chemical agents, CPR, physical training, and standard use of force” (pg. 93). This type of training gives off masculinity because of the violence. Also, guards have to deal with issues such as sexual harassment still after it is suppose to be established as gender neutral. After training, women still feel less prepared then the male officers because men officers are naturally masculine. On the other hand, women know how to deal with emotional problems something that is not required nor taught in the curriculum. Therefore, by working in women prisons who must deal with emotional problems. According to Britton, women in women prisons are less violent than the males. One of their issues in women prisons is that some of the women are emotional. With that being said, more than likely a male guard would feel less prepared entering a women prison and dealing with the emotional problems. However, women guards prefer working with male inmates because male inmates respect them more than the women. Vice versa, women inmates are more likely to respect the men guards rather then the women. Men and women prisons still differ in many ways. In the reading, Britton states that women prisons may have lower security than the men prison. In some women prisons they are given things that men would never be allowed to get which is like “crochet needles and certain toiletries” (PowerPoint).

Blog 17

By watching this documentary I was able to observe more than what I already know about women prisons and the inmates prison life. From readings and other media, I always pictured women guards as more tough looking or intimidating. However, not in this case from what was viewed from the documentary. The media always portrayed women to look like lesbians or carrying weapons. However, in the video clip most of the correctional officers did not look as if they were masculine. I also noticed in the video that the correctional officers were not walking around with their weapon or intimidating the inmates. Also, by viewing this documentary I was able to learn a lot more about the rules and the procedures that correctional officers have and give. Also, the video displays different areas in prison and how men work as a guard. I did not know that men had to have a women with them at all times when they enter into the women quad. Although it makes a lot of sense, it can help prevent some of the illegal activity that some correctional officers do. It can help prevent rape or accusations of male guard acting in a sexual manner or activity. Overall, this video clip focused on women in prison, correctional officers, and the structures of the prison.

Building a relationship with the inmates can be dangerous for the guards. It can be dangerous in many different aspects for the guards. It is better for correctional officers to stay away from relationships with inmates. However, one way that it can be dangerous for the guards is that it can possibly get them hurt. It also can hurt that person career because if they build a relationship with an inmate that can give the inmate a chance to make up something that can possibly result in corrective action for the guard. Some of the inmates that are incarcerated include: “drug dealers, murderers, thieves, and other trouble makers” (video clip). The officers in correctional facilities have to be, “vigilant in order not to be compromised” (video). The officers have to show that they are not there to be friends. Some officers are inappropriate and break the rules and law. That is when it is investigated and action is placed. Therefore, in order to avoid these accusations it is better not to gain a relationship with an inmate.

Some assumptions that officers had of inmates in the video was that the inmates where there for a reason. The inmates did something that caused them to get locked up so they have to do the time for it. Also, some officers felt that inmates have time for improvement as well that is one of the reason they offer different classes such as dentistry, cosmetics, and costumer service work. Some correctional officers feel that inmates are still human and still have their rights however, they are not free. They feel that they are still human but still have to obey them. When they get out of line they have to easily put them back into place.

In the video clip I observed mostly African American correctional officers. It was mostly women working in the prison as correctional officers. Also, the lead was a women it didn’t show many men working in that particular facility. Furthermore, the warden of that prison facility was a women. As far as for race, there weren’t any issues that had risen. The correctional officers in the video seemed professional and followed the rules. However, the overseer was basically the action of overlooking race and the punishment for that individual would be solely based on the criminal act that was done. Moreover, officers had to use a sense of social control over the inmates. They had to let the inmates know that they are in control and not them. Since inmates are already aware that if they choose to argue or act up they can possibly end up with disciplinary actions. Most inmates do not want to end up with disciplinary actions because that can result them in being locked up with only 45 minutes a day to enjoy being outside. They also, get only a 15 minute shower every two weeks. Therefore, most women don’t try and test correctional officers because they do not want to end up in the eight by eight segregation unit.

Blog 16

The path for male and female correctional officers differed from each other. Starting off, this occupation is normally an occupation that an individual would choose as a career. According to the reading, At Work In The Iron Cage, the author Britton states that in a 1967 survey there were only one percent of the participants that stated they wanted to be a prison guard when they grew up. Still today, there is a low percentage of individuals that want to be a correctional officer when they grow up. Since this type of work pertains to doing the “dirty work” it still remains in high demand. However, it is more of a choice for boys. It is rare that a girl, according to Britton, would want to choose a correctional officer as a career.

Previous work experience also differed from each gender. Being a correctional officer was not necessarily the career choice nor plan for both genders. Therefore, both genders kind of drifted from their past job to correctional facility to become a guard. For instance in the reading, it stated that men were mostly involved in the military. From the military they kind of drifted into being a correctional officer. Not only the military but also those who were police officers or wanted to be police officers drifted into the correctional officer positions. Before the men were correctional officers they usually came from “male dominant, masculine gender typed jobs” (page, 83). They usually came from armed forces and military backgrounds. On the other hand women came from “female dominated, feminine occupations” (page, 83). Most jobs that women came from was more clerical such as “secretaries or clerks” (page, 85). Furthermore, women came from positions that included: “child care, cooking, cashiering, and sales services” (pg. 87). One woman connected baby sitting to the inmates. She basically was stating that working as a correctional officer is like baby sitting however, its baby sitting the inmates. Women who began to work as correctional officers first report scared in the beginning. For women there were basically no connection with their past work experiences with correctional officers.

Social network plays an important role in being a correctional officer for women. Due to media and its take on correctional facilities, women tend to become more scared of becoming a correctional officer. This masculine position is more favored by men instead of women. However, there are opportunities to improve once your in. One thing however, that motivates and attracts men and mostly women to apply is the money and benefits that this occupation offers.

Blog 15

The birth of a penitentiary had risen from the ideal of social change. According to, At Work in the Iron Cage, industrialization and the rise in market economy played an important role in increasing wealth for some and hurting others that were in poverty. This rise caused concern for property crime in wealthy local communities. These wealthy people were afraid that there will be an increase in crime and the “communities carried out punishments through fines, lashings, and shaming” (PowerPoint). Therefore, a penitentiary was established to decrease violence. However, when the first prison was made in Massachusetts in 1785, it was designed to decrease violence but instead it increased it.

Men and women prisons have similarities as well as differences between the two. The similarity that these two penitentiaries have is “discipline around separation, obedience and labor” (Britton, Pg. 26). These two penitentiaries differ in many ways as well. There were different types of penitentiaries which were the Pennsylvania and Auburn style penitentiaries. The Pennsylvania style penitentiary was “completely solitary” (PowerPoint). Women were viewed as being not really women because those who were suppose to be considered real women is to be idle. The other style of penitentiary, auburn was more of a military type of institution. There you couldn’t have any type of eye contact and they required for the inmates to march in “lock steps.” The women in that type of setting were worse then the men inmates. The women were perceived as breaking the stereotype of traditional gender roles. In women prisons they were also more than likely to get raped by male guards. The men were more likely to get punished that included beatings than the women. The women were given more traditional work such as sewing and cooking in penitentiaries. Women were ignored and did not have full right under law. Women were looked at it was their fault of getting raped and cause of initiating men to “masturbate.” In auburn, women were also kept in “over crowded third floor attics” above the institutions kitchen. Today, in Arizona, penitentiaries are very similar to the past because both contain men and women and the purpose of the institutions remains the same. There are individuals in these penitentiaries from different ethnic backgrounds and culture.

Reformers wanted a separation within these penitentiaries because bad habits began to rub off on one another and new habits were acquired. Reformers tried to remold these institutions by “offering a new version of the science of penology” (pg. 33). Reformers viewed each person in the penitentiaries as “unique” and thought that each one needed individual treatment rather then “punishment” (pg.33).

Post 14

Britton uses the theory of gendered organization to frame her research question around the massive problems of “wage gap between men and women workers.” Due to occupational segregation women are still currently getting paid less then men in the workforce. She uses this theory to research why “occupational segregation is so persistent, why jobs pay less for women, and what factors is keeping women at the bottom of the ladder?” Britton based her question on three possible answers which includes “the structure of work organizations, cultural and ideology assumptions, and the agency of workers themselves” (pg. 6.) Britton states that the key assumptions to these problems are that gender is an on going process. Gender is a social construction and society is unequal. Society placed traditional roles on gender since the beginning of time which now results in our society creating jobs that are segregated. Not only do society and gender play a role on this but culture, structure, and agency do as well. According to Britton, organizational structure falls within the form of “policies and practices.” Culture in a way represents these organizations in “gendered ways” which results culture, and structure, interlinking together the process of gender organizations. Structure results in the “bounded context.” Culture, however, results in the effect of “jobs choices.” However, what is meant by Britton when she stated that “organizations are gendered at the level of structure,” is that organizations are built off of “public and private spheres” that is between production and reproduction. Therefore, public and private spheres become gendered concepts by having these organizations that involves work life and private which is things such as “child care, sexuality, eating, and childbirth.” Women are more than likely to get caught in the middle of these spheres because they would have to make decisions within public and private spheres because of child care arrangements and maternity leaves which can weaken their chances of being good candidates for employment.

Blog 13

The first impression that I receive when I hear the word prison guard is a large buff muscular male with an intimidating face. I picture a muscular man who is not afraid to “meet violence with violence” (Britton, pg. 1). In the story, At Work in the Iron Cage, it stated that “the use of violence has always been connected with masculinity” (pg.2). Prison guards are typically displayed to be male traditional careers because traditionally, it is a masculine job.
There are women that work in these types of occupations, however, it is considered to be a nontraditional career for women. In the media, prison most guards look similar to what was described above, however they may look more rough have a lot of tattoos and either carrying a gun or club, possibly both. Women as a prison guard or even a cop draws attention because traditionally, those two types of occupations are male dominant. When I think of a women prison guard I think of a more masculine woman. I think of a woman that is definitely in shape, health wise, with her hair pulled completely back with no make up. Furthermore, I think of a muscular women and the media usually portrays these women as lesbian or with short hair and intimidating face. Whether it is a prison guard or a police officer, the media usually portrays these women to be more muscular than most women. They do not portray a sign of weakness in these women because they have to put on the “tough guy” act.
Regardless of if the site is a male prison or a female prison the image of the correctional officers remains the same. Referring back to “At Work in the Iron Cage,” “the job of an officer is the same in both settings” (pg. 4). In both settings the job of the officer remains the same which is to supervise, enforce, and deal with inmate problems whether it’s violence or any other problems that arise.

Blog 12 Unit C

According to the reading, "At Work In The Iron Cage," women only make up 73 percent of the salary that men receive. This is a sign of occupational segregation. Men and women usually work different jobs however, the jobs that women work are paid less then that of men. Although, there may be laws that prohibit this type of segregation such as equal employment opportunity, men and women still experience employment segregation. Men and women, since childhood, has been stereotypically taught men jobs and women jobs. Women were taught nurturing and feminine jobs while men during their childhoods where always taught masculinity. Since, men were taught masculinity since childhood, they believe their jobs are to be more masculine such as a mechanic. This is all due to “traditional gender roles” that society has placed since the beginning of history for men and women. Some traditional gender roles for women consist of nurses, secretary, librarian. However, for men some traditional gender roles consist of truck driver, firefighter, and security guard.
However, breaking these traditional careers can benefit as well as hurt that person. Some ways that women can benefit from breaking these traditional “male dominant occupations” is one the chance to follow their dream, also they “receive more recognition” (article) if they are performing the job correctly. Also, the pay for working in these non traditional areas is a lot higher than others. Furthermore, by women going in and working in these non traditional career “impacts society.” However, by women coming in and working in these male dominate occupations, may have an impact though I do not believe that men drastically loose or gain from it. By women joining, it put more of a strain on the women because they have to prove themselves that they too, can perform just as well as men do.

Blog 11

There was a news report that I came across that addressed the working poor women in Austin. This news report was labeled "Working Poor: Growing numbers can't make ends meet." The website that I received information from was www.news8austin.com. However, in this news report a woman by the name of Tere Ceballos addressed her financial and living situation. She stated in this news report that Austin was one of the highest cost of living compared to others cities in that state. When the economy declined that is when families in Austin started to struggle more than what they were struggling before. Tere Ceballos explained that she has a job however, it is still hard to make ends meet. She stated that her family did not have any food at their home therefore, they had to eat canned foods only. She could not afford "meats, fruits, baked foods, or cheese only canned foods."

Many families started to fall into poverty. Researchers at "The Center" noted that there were one out of six people in Texas that lived in poverty. Many of them worked, roughly about 80 percent and most of the income that poor families were receiving was from work and not assistance. Those living in Austin for one adult had to make about $19,000 a year and a family of four had to make about $44,000 a year in order to make it. More jobs were becoming available in Austin however, it was more low minimum wage jobs. These openings that were becoming available, which was minimum wage, would not be able to support families in Austin. In Austin it was reported that most working poor families are more likely to rely on earnings on their income rather than welfare. There should be something done due to the fact that Austin is a highly cost city and the jobs that are becoming available is minimum wage jobs. Funding should be increased for these families who are having difficulty and struggling.

BLOG 10

After the welfare reform mothers had to make a lot of adaptations. Mothers had to first and foremost adapt to the welfare reform conditions that was set. There were many actions that these mothers had taken to adapt to new strategies. Mothers had to become more flexible than usual after the welfare reform. They also had to arrange their work schedule or their child care schedules. According to the reading mothers did not know which one, work or child care, to put first. Some mothers structured their work schedules around their child care schedule. Also, there were some mothers who structured their child care schedules around their work schedule. In the reading, it gives the example of the mother name Cassandra who tried to structure her work shift to fit her child care schedule. However, she then changed it to where she fit her child care around her work schedule. Some mothers thought this type of arrangements were "strategically interrelated" (Chaudry page. 180) between work and care. There were issues sometimes in which mothers could not find child care that corresponded with their work schedule. Also, the priorities of mothers happen to change as the child age. When the children are younger mothers tend to work less hours however, as they age they tend to work more hours. Referring back to the reading, after the welfare reform mothers "sought out subsidies for their child care." They would "utilize" work subsidies to get "center base care" (PowerPoint chapter 5 and 6). This was sought out to be the key for care arrangements. In chapter five, a mother name Sarah used subsidized child care for her children because she was in school and work. If she did not have it she would not have been able to attend or get her daughter developmental care that was needed. Mothers find it most difficult for subsidized care when the children are infant because there are not that many options available for "infants and young toddlers" (Chaudry page. 182).


Chaudry findings and recommendations made interesting points and I definitely agree that "America needs to decide what role it wants to play in the lives of young children" (Chaudry page. 191). According to Chaudry, about 60 percent of the child care that is provided in the United States is funded by parents. Due to low paying jobs and affordability mothers had to often place their children in low quality care arrangements in which their child don't get the proper developmental opportunities as other children. The United States do not provide much support for young children. According to Chaudry, there is no unified system of early care nor education for children. There is also not enough funding therefore, funding should be increased for child care. The government should also create a policy that basically "acknowledges" single working mothers. Chaudry also recommend that the government should try and work for a policy that can break the cycle of poverty. Also, the government to create a more simpler system to the application process and access. There are many different recommendations that Chaudry addressed such as providing child care to all families that are eligible. This is because subsidized child care is important to mothers especially those working low income jobs. Furthermore, he addressed that educational investments should "foster early childhood development" (Chaudry page. 195). Chaudry also recommended that there should be an increase in available "care options and supports for families with infants." Chaudry argued that there should be more child care subsidies in low income families that consist of infants and toddlers. Due to how the system work for child care subsidies, toddlers and infants are the least that is served which is very critical. Since these toddlers and infants do not have many options for child care subsidies, it put a strain on working mothers to try and find child care arrangements. At this time, subsidies is needed the most and child care options should be available to working mothers at this time. Mothers and families have been struggling to survive. The government should do something to try and prevent this from happening. There should be more funding and more assistance available for these families. One particular funding group that is trying to help with food assistance is the Salvation Army. According to the video clip, the salvation army had lunch programs 5 days a week to hand out lunches to kids. There should be more funding and assistance available for children and families. Something should be done to put an end to poverty.

Blog 9

Poverty is one of the major problems that our world is faced with today. Poverty has always caused conflicts within our society. Before, there were about 13 million children that was living below the poverty level that was set by the government. The poverty level is determined by that family income. If there is a family of four they are considered to be living in poverty if there income is less than 20,000 a year. Today, the amount of children that is living in poverty dramatically increased by 1.3 million within five years. Therefore, according to the research, "thirty nine percent of the nations children" is currently living in poverty.


The rates at which families are considered to be in poverty varies from each state. There are some states that have more children in poverty than others. For an example, looking and moving from each state, according to the research, child poverty ranges from "seven percent in New Hampshire to twenty seven percent in Mississippi." Arizona, as well, have 20 percent or more children that is in poverty. There are two states which is New Hampshire and New Jersey that has under 10 percent of their children in poverty as appose to thirteen states that has 20 percent or more.


Poverty exist among all races in the country. There are some races that have more children in poverty than others. In African American families there child poverty rates, according to the research, is at 35 percent. Latinos have 28 percent of their children living in poor families. There is only about 10 percent of white children that lives in poverty or poor families and 29 percent of American Indians. Asian children also have a low population of children living in poor families their rate was at 11 percent. There is said to be about 20 percent of children that is below the age of 6 actually grew up in poverty areas. Most families that live in poverty spend most of their income for their rent. Based upon the research African American and Latino families are more likely to have financials hardships as apposed to White families. This basically creates a problem because then their children can lack health insurance, food, and other expenses.

Post 8

"The new urban poverty" created a lot of problems for poor working mothers. "The new urban poverty" created violence, a loss in jobs, and also a loss in businesses (power point chapter 4). It also raised concern for crime and safety for the residence more so for "children and the elderly." Also, "the new urban poverty" increased the "concentrations of poverty" and welfare dependency. Due to this, homes were being abandoned and the education for children weren't at high expectations. There was an increase in negative habits such as drugs and abuse. "The new urban poverty" also caused "isolation" from society and the lack of hope. Furthermore, "child care instability" was another problem for "the new urban poverty."

The problems that arose in "the new urban poverty" differs from those that are residing in mixed income neighborhoods because there are more economic disadvantages in this "new urban poverty." Those that resides in what Peter Marcuse refer to as "outcast ghetto" is "removed" from society and have more low paying jobs. However, some that are residing in this type of area are sometimes involved in illegal activities. For an example, Jessica advised the interviewer how the neighbors that live next door to her sale drugs. Mothers living in this type of environment worry about safety for their children and for themselves. In the reading, Traci story explains the concerns that she has in this type of environment. In this type of environment she was worried since the father of her child was incarcerated and the neighborhood was a negative environment, if it would influence her children. She feared that this environment labeled as the "outcast ghetto," it would negatively influence her children. Those in a mixed income environment do not have that massive fear for their child safety as for those living in "the new urban poverty." However, because of Traci fear for her child safety drove her to wanting to leave the "outcast ghetto" (Chaudry chapter 4).

Post 7

Chaudry addressed the story of Julia and her child Jacqueline struggle for child care. There were many factors that contributed to their instability for child care. Julia was on welfare when her daughter Jacqueline was born. Julia wanted to leave welfare however, some of the factors which added to the instability was the lack of funds. Also, Julia wanted to go to community college, so while she was in college the father of Jacqueline stayed at home and watched the children. When he left that caused an additional problem to her life. There were no child care arrangements therefore, Julia had to stay home to watch the children. She then was cut off of food stamps and when she started back to college she had to have her sister watch the children for a few months. Julia then was put to the bottom of the list for the "Agency for Child Development" for daycare. She soon had to stop going to college and had to be the primary care giver for her children. Julia was the primary caregiver for about a month and a half, according to the reading, and was then enrolled into the "Work Experience Program." This program helped with child care arrangements in which she found another child care provider. Julia ended up having to have her cousin watch her children then finally she received ACD. Based upon her story another factor that contributes to the instability of child care is having to find a provider and worrying about late payments from WEP.
According to the interviews and readings, working minimum wage jobs does not contribute much to childcare and safety. Working minimum wage jobs can force a family into unsafe environments such as what Jessica explained in her interview. Sometimes mothers sacrifice their hunger so that their children can eat. Mothers sometimes have no choice but to work more hours than usual just to make ends meet. When expenses and other bills are increasing mothers are still stuck at minimum wage which makes it harder to pay their bills.

blog 6

The type of child care that a child receives when they are young is very important to that child development. Child care arrangements is important because children spend most of the early childhood in childcare type of environments and based upon the "settings, provider, content, and the quality of care" (Chaudry pg.32) can effect that child development negatively or positively. There are different types of child care arrangements that low income mothers use. Sometimes mothers use "home based" care in which the father, kin, nanny, sitter, or siblings watch the child. Also there is "family child care, center care," and also other types of care giving settings such as "special needs care" (Chaudry pg. 34). However, not always are these types of child care arrangements or funds to pay for the arrangements available which puts a strain on the parent. In the reading, a working mother by the name of Brittany, had many challenges with child care arrangements for her daughter Bethany. There were many factors and situations that challenged her child care arrangements such as low paying jobs which cause financial issues, the incarceration of the father, conditions of the setting, and also depending on family members or the child care provider to be on time. Furthermore, trying to find, apply, and get approved for child care assistance can be a challenge as well. For Brittany, she was put onto a waiting list which resulted her relying on a family care provider which soon grew into a conflict.

There is a gap between the type of "child care that mothers prefer and the care they actually use." Most mothers prefer more of a home type arrangement for the younger children "and more learning opportunities." This is because children spend most of their days in childcare settings. Those who are not capable of having homelike arrangements have to result in other child care arrangements such as child care centers. According to the report, some of these low income centers can be unhealthy to the child. Some centers lack staffing, funding, and safety standards. However, mothers still have no choice but to place their children in these type of environments because of financial problems.

Unit B- Blog 5

In the reading, Putting Children First, Chaudry argued that, "we were asking the least fortunate to strive and work harder, we were deeply discounting our public responsibility for the children born into poor families and disadvantages" (page 14). The reason he argued this point was because of the welfare reform that went into act in 1966. The Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1966, changed the policy for working mothers to get assistance. Now there were strict work requirements that had to have been met in order to get assistance which cause mothers to put their "work first, before their children needs" (pg. 14). Chaudry argued this point because while the government were placing strong guidelines on assistance and pushing mothers to work and work harder, children were being born to disadvantages. There were not as many opportunities for children that were being born in this environment due to the welfare reform that taken into effect.

In the videos there were many valid arguments and points that had been said. Currently, according to the Poverty in America video, if a family of four makes less than 20,614 then that family is living in poverty. The video displayed that there are "37 million people" that is currently living in poverty. This many people living in poverty clearly identifies that it is more of a public issue than a personal problem. The videos supports Chaudry perception because they give facts and also identify ways that can help poverty. One of the issues that was repeatedly addressed was raising minimum wage to decrease poverty. The videos address how the working poor barely have enough funds to make ends meet as well as they are forced to work long hours to achieve those funds. Sometimes that can conflict with assistance, if a person is working long hours and by chance make one dollar above the guidelines for assistance they are denied. This becomes a problem because even if that person really do need the assistance they are not able to achieve it because they do not reach the guidelines for assistance.

Blog 4

I believe that there are many different sets of characteristics for a good family life. Characteristics for family life differ from family to family. There is not one set for all families however, I do believe some characteristics for one family may have one or two that is the same as another. One characteristic for good family life that I believe is definitely important is time. In order for a family to be good there has to be time spent between them. Also, communication, health care, child care, support, happiness, responsibility, caring, and morals play a role in good family life. It is hard to maintain some of these characteristics when the parents of a family is constantly working. A family, more so parents, have to learn how to balance family and their career. To balance your family and your career means to have time for your family and time for work. When trying to balance family and career, parents should not let their work interfere with family time. There may be jobs that does not allow parents to work at home therefore, that working parent have to have the drive and motivation to separate the two from each other. It may be difficult to separate family and work because there is always something that goes in within the family that may stress the working parent out while at work because they can't be there or get to the issue at the time. Even when the working parent arrives home there may be times in which they will receive calls from work in which the have to take. This however, takes time away from spending time with their family. Also, sometimes there are jobs that have on call duties in which when they need you they call you to come in. That can happen at anytime in which again, takes time away from spending time with your family. However, there are many more reasons why a balance between family and work is difficult to achieve. Sometimes there is mandatory meetings, over time, long hours that are required for employees to work or participate in.

Changes in gender roles has made work and family situations more complicated for women because women still feel that it is there responsibility to take care of their family. Although, society is being more acceptable for men to take on women tasks, women still have that drive that it is there duty to nurture. Therefore, women is doing twice as much work by working in their place of employment and working at home. This becomes complicated because women come home from long hours of work and then start to do household chores which leaves no time for themselves or family. Now that more and more women are becoming employed men are now subjected to do tasks they normally wouldn't do if it were years ago.

There are numerous ways that employers can be sensitive to their employees family needs and obligations. If more employers were sensitive to their employees needs, there can be an increase in "productivity, quality, and retention." One way that employers can show sensitivity is by allowing flex time. In the PowerPoint it does display some companies that allows flex time such as traditional flex time and daily flex time. I, myself, use to experience traditional flex time in which I was allowed to create my own scheduled which worked perfect for me because I was able to work around my school schedule. If it worked for me I am positive it worked for those who had children. It was a great change in the company until they removed it and placed us on a strict schedule which caused concerns and stress. Another way would be telecommuting, in which allows the employee to work at home. This is one of the methods the management in the UK mentioned which worked great with their carers. Another good program, that I believe is great, is the FMLA act which benefits mothers and families. I think this act is very beneficial because it gives the mother time to interact with her newborn child and family while still getting income. This relieves a lot of stress and gives the mother time to relax for a couple of months. Not only can employers help with the needs of employees but the support of family and friends can help as well. Having the support from others can help in many ways. A good support system makes things a lot easier. If a mother is having trouble with someone watching her kids she can call her family members to help. Also, the support from co workers can make a day more easier and calm. It is always good to have someone there for you when it is needed.

Blog 3

Carework on a personal issue is something that I have experienced my whole life since I was younger. My mother had five children, in which I am the second oldest. My mother and father work constantly to make sure everything was taking care of for their kids. Therefore, since they were working constantly, me and my eldest sister were the ones watching my younger siblings majority of the time while they were at work. Me and my eldest sister had to make sure my younger brothers and sister were fed, homework was done, and basically watch over them. When my mother would return home from work, work did not stop there for her. She made sure the chores were done, groceries were fine, food was prepared, and made sure my younger brothers and sister were bathed. My mother worked constantly and my father would sometimes help but majority of the time my mother was the one doing most of the household duties. As far as this issue being a public issue carework is extra work and labor for women in which they are not getting earnings from. This extra work can cause stress on women because they may be overwhelmed with work in which can result in low performance at their place of employment.

There were many issues that was presented in the clips "Juggling Work and Care." Some issues that was presented were carers having to leave work to take care of family responsibilities at home. The UK brought up interesting efforts to handle and support those who are carers.
I believe their efforts to help carers is a great idea. Supporting carers by making time flexible, allowing to work at home, creating networks, focus groups allows carers to take care of their responsibilities at home without having to quit there job. By creating this type of support system brings good to the company because then carers will be more loyal, committed, and an increase in productivity. Society, however, needs to reconstruct the notions of the home "women's work." Society should realize that women are not the only one doing work at home as well as being a stay at home mother. There are males as well that stays at home to handle care taking responsibilities.

Blog 2

In the readings and videos there were many issues of justice that sparked my interest. I do agree that segregation do in fact exist still today. Most work forces that include jobs such as hard labor consist of mostly men. For instance, warehouse, truck driving, or construction positions contains mostly men. There is also majority of men that have manager or top positions for an example at my friend place of employment there are four assistant vice president positions in which all four positions are held by men. There are also two vice president positions in which both of those positions are held by men. That raises an issue with justice because it is, to me, segregating against women.

How I would define sex segregation, is the separation between men and women. In society, today, men and women are segregated as far as for stereotypes, media, employment, etc... At Arizona State University, I would say that there is segregation between male and female. For instance, while looking back at my class schedule since my freshman year in Fall 2006 through Fall 2009, I had 22 female professors and only 9 male professors. This example shows that there is segregation between the two because there is a high number in female professors rather than male. In the "patriarchy" video the author displayed many different points of segregation especially within our government. In the U.S. Congress there are only 70 women working out of 435. As for the Senate there are 16 women working out of 100. This alone displays segregation exist in this country. Socialization is related to patriarchy because a patriarchy is based off of a social organization. In a social organization men and women basically follow norms or social behaviors that fit there social position in society.

In the job market men still make more money than what women do. In the radio report it is stated that " women make 77 cents for every dollar a man makes." Therefore, although the recession has hit and a lot of men are loosing there positions, women are still not making more than men. Moreover, because of the loss in jobs which included a majority of men, sex segregation and the wage gap still exists because "medical care, pensions, and paid vacations," still remains in men positions also the wage earnings are still higher in men positions.

Introduction

Hello! My name is Tomisha and I am a Senior this year majoring in BIS (Bachelors of Interdisciplinary Studies). The reason I've decided to go along with this particular blog handle is because it is very easy to remember. However, the reason why I have chosen this course is becasue justice, in general, has always been an area in which I have had interest in. Also, justice is one of my concentrations for my major, along with family studies. Though, what I hope to gain from this course is more knowledge on justice, the history behind women and justice, and women in the work force. However, what is meant by the idea of women, work, and justice, in my opinion, is the rights and struggle women have been through in the past to achieve justice in society and in the work force. Some issues that draws me towards justice is incarceration and inequality. An issue that I find important to me is poverty. Poverty is very important because it is popular in many countries in which women, men, and children suffer and experience. Working women and men, work long hours of labor and still reside in poverty. Another issue that I find important to me is the justice system in courts. I do not believe that there is equality in some that are tried. Therefore, I view justice as confusing, becasue there are some people who follows the norms of justice and there are some that are unjust. To have justice is to have equality, and that is something that women did not experience in the work force in the past and sometimes still today. These issues however, are related to women, work, and justice because there are poor working women that is still in poverty as well as there are some women that have not been fairly trialed.