evolution of fatherhood and motherhood

Question 1

pre-civilization

Answer 1

• women were always identified as mothers
• men envied women for having the power of being a life- giving force
• wanting to maintain a position of authority, men subjugated women by physical force allowing them to be the dominant ones in the group, they had power over and were in charge of the life giving force, women

Question 2

hunting and gathering

Answer 2

• womens gathering was simpler, more predictable than mens
• because the mens power and authority, the hunting and gathering society was patriarchal and, meaning they chose where to camp and hunt
• men protected the women and children because they represented the future of the group

Question 3

the new stone age

Answer 3

• adults became more settled as they took land, farmed and raised animals, children were born to help and family produced all they consumed, quite self sufficient
• greater subjegation of women and children, females had to remain virginal until partnered & remain loyal to their spouse to ensure legitimacy of their children
• women and the children they gave birth to were a possession of the father and all were dependent on him

Question 4

Christianity

Answer 4

• spread of chirstinaity, sometimes known as the middle ages, what a time when the patriarchal system was greatly strengthened
• the majority of women were described as dirty, dangerous, etc.
• only recognized 3 groups of women
  1. the prioress and aedeses of the convince who educated children and nursed the ill
  2. the noble women of the estates who looked after their husbands substantial business holdings when he was away
  3. women who worked alongside their husbands in small family businesses

Question 5

industrial revolution

Answer 5

• women took advantage of the industrial revolution as they worked long hours in factories to earn small amounts of money, even children were brought with them to make more money for the family
• child labor was not uncommon but a necessity
• men were always paid more, responsible for bringing home the family income
• women paid less of the same work men did and seen as a added bonus to men’s income
• those in upper class, having a well dressed woman in a nice house became a mark of self esteem for men
• middle and upper class women serve no economic purpose, seen as weak and too delicate

Question 6

traditional and orthodox model of marriage and the family

Answer 6

• men define the family given the work they do, they set the socioeconomic status that the family share
• the womens role is to give birth to a raise children
• children and mother are in a position to completely support the father, he is entitled to determine any and all changes to be made

Question 7

victorian era

Answer 7

• these women were to fill their days with needle work, and reading, etc. to avoid boredom
• given that children were privileged, they needed supervision and lessons
• motherhood became important because the childrens lives become the mothers responsibility
• mothers oversaw the running of the household
• often an educated woman attracted a wealthier husband, they longed to achieve things other than motherhood and marriage

Question 8

decline of the industrial nuclear family/ modern times

Answer 8

• more females are entered in university and receiving degrees, and more women are entering the workforce to provide for their children and their future
• children are at risk, women suffer under the the weight of multiple roles
• women suffer financially from paid differentials and opportunities are limited due to male entitlement
• todays women look critically, and rationally at their status, they look at the struggle they face to improve their lives and their childrens lives