Between around 1790 to 1840, this textile mill hired many children to produce textiles. Indeed, around 1840, about 52% of workers in the carding department were children ages 9-12. None of the authors describes the role of child labor in American history and how it has influenced women's roles in the family and in the workforce. I wonder if the significant presence of children in the workforce during the 19th century had a strong impact on women's roles in society, and whether any of the trends in Kessler-Harris, Ehrenreich, or Glenn can be traced back to this.
2. The American Military All-Volunteer Force (AVF)
Currently, women/minorities may volunteer to enter the American military. This places the women/minorities who do so in a position of high honor and prestige, since Americans value the military and these women/minorities play an active role in defending the country, a traditionally male job. In addition, those who enter the military gain significant monetary and educational benefits that can further raise their socioeconomic status. Does this represent a step forward for women that Ehrenreich, Glenn, and Kessler-Harris do not acknowledge when they discuss gendered labor? Or are there more similarities in this situation to domestic service than might at first appear (i.e., do women/minorities still occupy inferior positions within the structure of the military)?
3. The Roomba
This technology requires really no effort--it vacuums the carpet automatically. How has this technology affected domestic workers, in terms of the kind of work they do and perceptions of them? With an increasing number of household chores becoming automatic, how might domestic workers' roles/status be changing? How is this device advertised (i.e., are there any references to domestic workers)?
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