"The Second Shift"

1. According to Hochshild, what is the “Second Shift?”

I am very familiar with the “second shift”. The “second shift” refers to the duties a wife or mother(typically) adhere to after a long day of work in the regular workforce. Whether it is cooking dinner, cleaning the house, running errands, taking care of the kids, do the laundry and the list is endless.

2. Briefly describe the story of Evan and Nancy Holt.

Evan and Nancy have been married for 7 years, and are at their wits end concerning their marriage. In their 30s both have full time-jobs and a son, Joey. Nancy is a social worker, who comes home from work and does the majority of the “second shift” work. She cooks, does laundry, takes care of Joey, etc. Evan, a furniture salesman, doesn’t do half as much as Nancy. Evan felt that Nancy could have a job of her own as long as it didn’t interfere with her ability to take care of the family as well. Evan thinks that Nancy should consider cutting back her hours at work so that she can have more time to do the housework. He is the typical chauvinist who feels that he should not have to do any of the housework and gets annoyed when he is asked. Another strain on their marriage is the relationship between Evan and Joey, there isn’t one. And with Joey coming into their bedroom, there doesn’t seem to be much of a “relationship” between Evan and Nancy either.

3. Hochschild argues that families create “myths” about their division of household labor. Describe the family myth created by Nancy and Evan Holt.

Nancy and Evan Holt split their household duties by Nancy doing the upstairs and Evan did the downstairs. The upstairs that Nancy did consisted of the living room, dining room, kitchen, two bathrooms and two bedrooms. The downstairs, or Evan’s work was the garage, which was storage for Evan’s hobbies. Evan also had to take care of the car, the garage and the family dog, Max. The reality of this agreement, is that Evan resorted to doing the things that he already did before this agreement. Things he enjoyed, while Nancy continued to take on the brunt of the housework.

4. According to Hochschild, what is the purpose of family myths?

The purpose of family myths is to eliminate problems, which may drive a couple and a family apart. It is as if you are tricking yourself into believing you have resovled your marital issues. You are ultimately accepting the fact that “it is, what it is” within your marriage. The idea of being content with the decisions you and your spouse have agreed upon, that has had you going around in circles. You agree that this is just the way that it is, because you would rather it be this way, than be divorced.

5. Was this reading surprising to you and why? How do you imagine you will divide family work (including child care) in your own marriage or cohabitation?

I did not find this reading to be surprising at all. This has always been the case in many homes. As I began to reflect within my own marriage I found some similarities and differences. The biggest difference within my marriage is that my husband is the one who takes on the responsibilities of the “second shift”, and he has been for the past 4½ years. We are both in our 30s, my husband is a 4^th grade teacher and I am a mail carrier (both full-time). I have been going to school, for what seems to be forever, and during this time, my husband has had to take on a lot of the household responsibilities. He picks up the kids, does the grocery shopping, laundry, cleaning, cooking, helping with homework, and spends more quality time with our boys. I, on the other hand, leave for work, and straight from work head to campus at least 3 times a week. On my off days, I’m doing homework, or trying to just allow my body to relax. Is this scenario fair to him. Absolutely not, but we both know what the bigger picture is. However, although I know I do not do as much as him, I do make sure that when I’m home (and rested…lol) I pitch in. I must admit that I am a bit spoiled, but have been preparing myself for the transition of sharing our household responsibilities. The good thing now, is that our boys are old enough to help around the house, so lately he has been getting somewhat of a break. Concerning our boys, I make sure to listen to how their day went. I’m not always home to go to their football practices, or games (and to be honest, I wouldn’t go as much if I was home…it just isn’t my thing) but I do take out the time to go. But the things we have more in common such as music (one plays the piano, another sings, and the other plays the drums) I’m all in, and in this area, their father doesn’t get too involved because it isn’t his area, as it is with the sports. So I would like to think there is balance when it comes to the kids.

The reality is, that there is no sure way to divide household work, or family responsibilities. At some point or another, someone is going to feel as though they are doing much more than their spouse. And sometimes you must do a “self-check” to ensure you are doing your part, and acknowledging how hard the other person is doing. It doesn’t mean you are not going to bicker a little over this issue (trust me), but it doesn’t have to consume your relationship (trust me). You figure out what works for you…not a “myth”, but what really works for you. For my family, earning my degree works for us…and once I have it and get a job teaching, my husband and I will have the same schedule, and able to share…not split…in the household responsibilities…as well as our children…

Yay!!! For children who can mop and vacuum floors, take out the garbage and do dishes….lol :)