Natalie Angier’s article in the New York Times assesses how society’s definition of the American family has changed. Three issues she raises are best explained by three examples she uses: the haves and the have-nots, gayby boom, and the pay-check mommy. One of Angier’s first examples in the article is told through statistics. The numbers show many people prefer the idea of marriage and children. She cites an informal sample of Americans who share their thoughts of love, kids, and mom when they hear the word “family.” However, the reality of those thoughts is only the privileged benefit from good marriages. Angier quotes Stephanie Coontz, author of Intimate Revolutions, “We’re seeing a class divide not only between the haves and the have-nots,
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Angier cites the share of mothers employed part or full time has quadrupled since the 50’s. The majority of women with children at home work. Thus, Angier concludes the “Paycheck Mommy” is a central tenant of the modern American family. This demonstrates more than one idea in the class text. First, Conley argues women in the workforce are the “subtle revolution” as the number of working women has skyrocketed. Almost 66% of all mothers are working mothers (463). Secondly, this idea is similar but different to Conley’s idea of a feminist rethinking of the family. The family teaches gender, and with such a high amount of working moms, gender will be redefined. Many now question the idea of domesticity. As an example, Angier quotes Ana Perez, a working mom, when she says, “Yes, I wear the pants in my family. I can say it brings me joy to know I can take care of my family.” This is a small-scale example of a bigger change. Angier also cites cultural attitudes toward domesticity changing. Seventy-two percent of adults under 30 view the ideal marriage as one where both parents work and share childcare and household duties. This demonstrates a feminist wave of family becoming a popular idea of
Angier cites the share of mothers employed part or full time has quadrupled since the 50’s. The majority of women with children at home work. Thus, Angier concludes the “Paycheck Mommy” is a central tenant of the modern American family. This demonstrates more than one idea in the class text. First, Conley argues women in the workforce are the “subtle revolution” as the number of working women has skyrocketed. Almost 66% of all mothers are working mothers (463). Secondly, this idea is similar but different to Conley’s idea of a feminist rethinking of the family. The family teaches gender, and with such a high amount of working moms, gender will be redefined. Many now question the idea of domesticity. As an example, Angier quotes Ana Perez, a working mom, when she says, “Yes, I wear the pants in my family. I can say it brings me joy to know I can take care of my family.” This is a small-scale example of a bigger change. Angier also cites cultural attitudes toward domesticity changing. Seventy-two percent of adults under 30 view the ideal marriage as one where both parents work and share childcare and household duties. This demonstrates a feminist wave of family becoming a popular idea of