Bra Burners in the Reading

Bra Burners

In the reading Bra Burners and Family Bashers, the author discusses the concepts held by different people on family and the role that women have played over time. The author makes a point to discuss lifestyles and the way they are viewed by women and those looking at the way women live. There is constant mention of "normal," "Traditional" lifestyles. It is explained that the early role of the homemaker, the caregiver etc. has over time lost its once significant value and prominence in society. Along with women having more roles that are independent and working outside the home, the homemaker has been lost.

The chapter takes a look at the role of the women in the household, and explains that though she was seen as the homemaker, this was an important and impactful role. However, as time advances and the face of the role that women are playing changes, rank, and authority in that traditional role is forever altered. This alteration is seen as a negative, there is an outcry for a return to the "old values," for this is the time when respect for the home role of women was acknowledged and appreciated. Mothers day is discussed in length in the reading as well, explaining how this was an impactful holiday that actually at one point stood to show homage to the mother, the hub of the family; the one that was viewed as the care taker, and provider of all of the home needs. This view over time has become obscure, and the homage that was once paid is now simply a means of companies monopolizing and increasing their profits.

The chapter goes on to discuss the role of women in the workforce especially married women. It is expressed that at one point only about 16% of the workforce was female. In addition, it was not out of the nor for a woman to leave the workforce to care for small children, until they were of age to be able to work themselves. It was also expressed that in the 1900's the demand for women in the workforce grew, now women were hired in increased number in the clerical field and sales industries. It was not until the 1920's was it viewed by society as okay for a married woman to be working, during this time there was also an increase seen in the number of female workers. It is added that there was still strong sexism during these times, especially during the 1930's and this kept most women from being able to commit to the workforce.

The end of the chapter talks about how the face of the woman has changed over time form the 1900's to 1970's. The end of the chapter also expresses the impact that consumerism had on the American family, and how this has become more driven by what they have ( materials) rather than the structure of the family and the time they spend together. Now, there is a push of why settle when you can have the next big thing. The author explains that consumerism poses a threat to the work ethic. The writer states that the drive behind a work ethic and consumerism are the same.