1. What are some of
the strengths associated with the Pro side of the issue? What are some of the weaknesses?
The Pro side of the issue gives
women the encouragement to make the decision for “opting out” of their careers
because of the commitments to childrearing and family. The most beneficial
strengths of the Pro side of this issue are that children and one’s family benefit
because otherwise children would spend the hours during which the parents are
working away from home. This time would be spent in a daycare with a
babysitter, or in another program, and the mother would spend numerous hours
away from her family. This leaves the child or children without the beneficial
features that parents provide that foster development during infancy and early
childhood, which are critical stages of development that form a foundation for
the future well-being of children. Infancy and early childhood are the most advanced
periods of a child’s development, and during these periods development is beneficial
to a productive life of a child (Berger, 2011).
A child’s family has more influence on development through infancy
and early childhood than any other period of life, which is why a mother’s
presence in the home instead of the workplace is critical (Berger, 2011). The
benefits of a mother “opting out” of work may out weight the benefits of
placing a child or children in daycare, with a babysitter, or other programs. Also
a mother’s commitment to family by opting out of work may be beneficial to the
strength and successful of her family and may ensure the less likelihood of
divorce. A husband may always depend on his wife as far as taking care of the
daily needs of the family and household. There are several weaknesses associated
with “opting out.” One weakness associated with “opting out” of working is that
certain women may possess a resentful attitude toward her husband and children for
the loss of her career.
Another weaknesses associated with “opting out” of working is that
certain women spend years attending college to meet certain aspirations and goals,
therefore by “opting out” those aspirations and goals disappear. One last
weakness associated with “opting out” of working is that certain women may
suffer from depression because of the loss of their career and loss of work
colleagues.
2. What are some of
the strengths associated with the Con side of the issue? What are some of the weaknesses?
The Con side of the issue
gives women the encouragement to make the decision for not “opting out” of
their careers because of the commitments to child-rearing and family. The most
beneficial strengths of the Con side of this issue are that women maintain
their career goals and aspirations and still can have a role in child-rearing
and family life. Women attend college just as men and work just as hard as men
to obtain meaningful careers. When women opt out of working, they give up on their
hard work in college and in their careers to raise and care for their family, which
they are still able to do while also working (Noble, 2009). Dual incomes of
families can provide a better means of life for one’s family (Noble, 2009). There
are several weaknesses associated with not “opting out.” One weakness
associated with not “opting out” of working is that the burden of child-rearing
and family care-giving is not solely a woman’s responsibility. Another weakness
associated with not “opting out” of working is that women are just as entitled
as men to maintain their careers while providing for their families. One last
weakness associated with “opting out” of working is that the household is
women’s work (Guest, 2011). The burden of the household should not be a woman’s
work because men are just as capable of helping with the household.
3. Based on the
statements presented in this critical issue, which author do you agree
with? Provide supporting evidence.
Based on the presented statements both Hirshman and Stone make
valid arguments but Hirshman’s statements make a more valid point. Indeed if
women intend to make a difference in the workplace it is their actions that
will make the difference. If women demanded better work schedules, daycare
centers in the workplace, or daycare compensation or reimbursement they may
enable themselves to maintain their careers and still take care of their
families more effectively. When parents take into account both of their incomes
then one parent not working may be counterproductive and not beneficial for the
family (Guest, 2011). Indeed women have the choice of either returning to work
after childbirth or staying home with the child or children whichever option is
best is for each woman to decide based on her goals.
Hirshman may a valid point about the women who want equal rights
and to have a place alongside men but those who did not return to work after
childbirth were not serious about their desires and wants of a career and
family. Indeed some men do not consider women to be serious about their careers
when a career is not the first priority. The feminist movement is beneficial
for women, “opting out” is a phenomenon, and feminism did not go far enough
(Guest, 2011).
4. Explore two other
roles that can be acquired during early and middle adulthood, such as through
parenthood, romantic relationships, and career.
How have these roles changed through the past generations?
One role that may be acquired during early and middle adulthood
through parenthood is the role of the stay-at-home caregiver who is the father.
This role gives the option of not sending infants and adolescents to daycare or programs that cared for them during the work hours of the parents, and
allows women of marriages to continue to maintain their careers. The key figure
in this role was usually the woman (mother) and not the man (father). When the
father is the stay-at-home caregiver it allows a woman to maintain her goals
and aspirations of a career. This leads to another role whereas the mother is
the main finical provider for the family. The key figure in this role was
usually the male (father) and not the woman (mother). A woman in this role is
the main decider of all the family’s finical responsibilities, which was
usually left up to the man.
5. What
psychological adjustments are made during early and middle adulthood to adapt
to aging and changes in life style? How
does this affect development?
During the years of early and middle adulthood individuals make several
psychological adjustments that may drastically affect his or her way of life. During
these years of early and middle adulthood individuals psychological adjustments
are made to adjustment to changes in life that concern careers, relationships,
marriage, divorce, and childbirth, which affect one’s psychological well-being.
Women often suffer through menopause during these periods of years. Menopause often
accompanies distressing psychological symptoms occur in women. Men sometimes
suffer through a midlife crisis that also affects one’s psychological
well-being. When individuals reach early and middle adulthood have already met
many developmental milestones but often there is a need for psychological
adjustments when adapting to aging and changes in one’s lifestyle.
Reference
Berger, K. S. (2011). The developing person through the
life span (8th ed.). New York, NY: Worth Publishers.
Guest, A. (2011). Taking sides: Clashing views in
life-span development (3rd ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
Noble, H. (2009). Opting in vs opting out. British
Journal Of Nursing, 18(21), 1290.
