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96 of 108 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
The Subtitle is "Manifesto"!, June 26, 2006
This review is from: Get to Work: A Manifesto for Women of the World (Hardcover)
Previous reviewers here have complained about Hirschman's alleged lack of "balance" in this book. But the author never claims to present a "balanced" view of the work/home dilemma that many middle-class and privileged women face. (BIG HINT: the subtitle of her book includes the word "manifesto"! It's printed very cleverly as a "little red book!" Get it?) This book is a polemic, not a sociological or historical analysis of the work/home issue like Judith Warner's _Perfect Madness_. _Get to Work_ challenges women and men to ask themselves the classic philosophical question, "what makes for a good life?" and challenges them to defend their choices, understanding that their choices have moral implications for themselves, their families, and the rest of the world. The previous reviewer asks what she thinks is a rhetorical question: "Imagine the outrage if someone wrote a manifesto saying all women should be compelled to stay home and raise babies!" I think that book's been written, several times over, by Laura Schlessinger, James Dobson, Danielle Crittenden, Caitlyn Flanagan, Penelope Leach, T. Berry Brazelton, Phyllis Schlaffly, Rick Santorum, and dozens more reactionary celebrities who cling to essentialist ideas about gender because of their fear of American values, democracy, and modernity. We're so accustomed to hearing the "opt-out" decision framed as a moral choice that sanctifies wives and mothers who don't work for pay and demonizes women who do as grasping, unnatural, and selfish that it is a bracing shock to the system to read an argument that turns this so-called "morality" on its head. She makes a compelling case that women should remain in the paid workforce for two big reasons: first, because true feminist change is unlikely to happen if a majority of educated women "opt-out" of reaching the highest ranks in their profession, and second, for the family's economic security. Thus women who "opt-out" endanger both the goal of true gender equality and their own families. I seriously doubt that most of the reviews here were written by people who have bothered to read the book. I think these are mostly reactions to her recent articles in the American Prospect and the Washington Post, by people who may have been (reasonably) offended by Hirschman's claim that there's something infantilizing about working in the domestic sphere only. I have my questions about Hirschman's prescriptions--for example, she doesn't say who exactly should do all of the domestic work she slights--but I think her book gives us a refreshing take on work/home issues.
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41 of 46 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting, but flawed, August 22, 2006
This review is from: Get to Work: A Manifesto for Women of the World (Hardcover)
Upfront, so you know my "politics," I am a 40ish working mom with an advanced degree, and 2 toddlers at home. My husband and I make about same salary, and financially either one of us could choose to stay at home. Overall, I found Ms. Hirshman's manifesto to be overly harsh and unbalanced. I do agree with some of her points -- women should be able to be financially independent, and it is important to get an education and pursue something you enjoy, and I also agree that changing diapers and some other "baby duties" can be a bit tedious (although for me personally, those things are far eclipsed by the joy I get from my children). I also agree that husbands need to pitch in, and do an equal share around the house and with the children. I also think that female attrition in the workplace does make it more difficult to get equal treatment. However, that said, I miss my children terribly and I can certainly understand why a parent would want to be home with their kids or work part-time. Furthermore, I think it is absolutely ludicrous to expect a parent to sacrifice the happiness of their family "for the good of womanhood/society." It seems that searching for a way to align family and societal interests would be more productive. I do think it is risky to quit working and be completely dependent on your spouse for income. Although my spouse and I trust each other completely, I have seen men take advantage when the balance of power (money) shifts in their favor -- so, I understand the concern. In my experience, the workplace seems to be accomodating to me as a parent, but less so for him (i.e. my employer tolerates my taking time-off for kid-related things much better than his). In other words, our culture/society needs to change so that it is not so lopsided in how it treats/accomodates moms and dads -- which is also part of her mantra, but does not get the attention it deserves. As a mom, I have noticed that early-on alot more of the child-related burden is on the female; no matter how supportive a husband is, he cannot be pregnant or nurse the baby. Also, I have noticed that even though my husband is an equally involved parent, my children tend to prefer mom over dad (I suspect this will change over time as they grow up). In summary, her Manifesto totally ignores the fact that early motherhood is exhausting for the female esp. when working, and that work often becomes alot less interesting/meaningful when you become a new parent. I really respect women who stay home -- it is a difficult job and requires unending patience and love. I have a hard time criticizing someone who chooses that. I do not think the answer is to flog and insult women (or men) who choose to stay at home with their children. I think the answer lies in understanding, accomodating, education and tolerance. I would like to see society/employers allow parents some flexibility to place greater emphasis on their families. I would like us to learn as a society that spouses should treat each other with respect and as equals, no matter what the role. I would like parents to raise their male and female children to expect to "share the load" whether it be household responsibilities or income. In short, I believe, while Ms. Hirshman's book contains some basic truths, it does not offer a palatable solution, and is often critical and judgemental.
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58 of 71 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Thought Provoking, June 18, 2006
This review is from: Get to Work: A Manifesto for Women of the World (Hardcover)
At the end of the day, the freedom to choose one's way of life is the greatest freedom of them all. However, Hirshman raises an incredibly important point: there are consequences to our choices and we need to realize what they are. Hirshman's thesis may be contentious, but you can't say she doesn't have a point. Even if you're the happiest housewife in the world, it's important to recognize the cost of your happiness: economic freedom, social prestige, and intellectual productivity. Even if -you- don't put much value on these, you must acknowledge that society does. And society will judge you by them. Of course, at the end of the day, it is every woman's right to choose how she will live her life. But this book raises a point that is strangely ignored in this age of equality: this choice that each woman makes is the exact same choice as is made by each man. The question of equality between men and women cannot be considered without an inquiry such as Hirshman's. And each woman's choice as to who she is relative her husband and children should not be made without considering the points Hirshman raises.
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