Journal: Socializing Care Chapter 10

Journal: Tell the story of the role of motherhood, a mother, or mother-figure in

your life and the challenges you or she have faced.
I actually have been discussing this type of mothers' movement in  many of my other classes. Women are put to a double sword when they are expected to be supermom while keeping up a financially beneficial career. While I will admit men are taking part in the "domestic/child rearing" life than ever before, just as Judith Tucker said: women are still doing at least 2/3 of the work at home while still trying to juggle a career.

I do think that we are in a period of transition (yes a long one) but since the 60's and before women were not in the workplace and education as they are today. Welfare systems are not supporting mothers/families to keep them afloat and are driving many to go into poverty not to mention the enormous number of single moms due to divorce or children out of wedlock.

Our society needs to begin to mold into the current situation to help those mothers/families in need rather than policies that support families from over 2 decades ago. Our policies need to revolove around families that require two parents to work with affordable child care, flex time, health care, maternity leave, and parental leave that is not punished when taken. Yes we have some of these policies but not all apply to small businesses and/or these options are not encouraged to be taken advantage of by the employers. We do need these policies to be changed but no official is going to be elected when he/she proposes to raise taxes to support our society who is in need. This makes me think of the Social Security system when the public was irate about the fact they would be taxed for this policy (which was a low percentage at the time) but if one would suggest to take this benefit away for Social Security recipients we would have an uproar. The push needs to go forward to support these families (specifically mothers) so that we can create a society where all is supported in some way or another instead of the bare minimum. Other countries like Sweden has taken this approach, we just are not willing to elect someone who is willing to raise our taxes for these needed benefits. It's a vicious dead end instead of moving toward change (think of the problems that would be eliminated if poverty was not such an issue for single moms/poverty stricken familes!).


In accordance with the journal assignment that was tied to this reading in the syllabus my mom immediately comes to my mind. My mom came from a poor family with no support in college. When my mom met my dad at the 2 year college in my home town she got married and continued on to law school. As she was just about to finish law school before the LSATs she had my older brother Zane. My uncle was a huge help as he lived in the Des Moines area where she went to law school and he would watch my brother while she went to class/the library/and her final LSAT test.

My mom brought me and my brother as infants to her office to breast-feed and would juggle with appointments, bringing us to the office, or with grandma and grandpa during busy months for my dad in the field. My family was extremely lucky as my dad was a farmer/self-employed and we were able grow up with little child care other than immediate family before pre-school. Had my dad not been self employed and my grandparents available there would have been far more obstacles for my mom to establish her practice.

Journal: Tell the story of the role of motherhood, a mother, or mother-figure in

your life and the challenges you or she have faced.

Journal: Socializing Care Chapter 1

I think I have already blogged about this at some point as chapters 1, 7, and 10 already have my highlighting marks but I thought either way I would re-read the chapter 1 and 10 since I only have Chapter 7 regarding welfare specifically included in my blogs. I am going to answer the question on the syllabus related to when we were assigned chapter 1 and will do the same for chapter 10

Journal: Share an experience you have had with healthcare related to your health, the

health of someone you know, or the health of a loved one

When I have recieved healthcare I immdiately think of going to the doctor. After reading the chapter I think of my doctors, my mom/dad, and even myself. Even if it amounts to taking a Tylenol or cold medicine myself I was doing "personal care" since it was within my means to do it for myself and didn't feel I needed help from someone else.

I thought the chapter brought up a point that is so true to our culture. It is not seen as culturally valuable to be vulnerable. Vulnerability (especially when needing care) is seen as a sign of weakness as our culture has constructed people to be independent.

Also, I think that Tronto makes a good point when she points out that that care has fallen between a gap of rich versus poor and does not allow the equal care of citizens (specifically the United States). Her examples of a child growing up in an environment with few resources will in turn put that child in the same position for when he/she has children. It is indeed a vicious cycle.

This was an interesting chapter. If we turn the public's care problems into a a collective problem rather than the idea "it's their problem" we would be better off in many aspects: as human beings, as a (healthy) nation, and treating everyone equally rather than only valuing those who are financially capable of the care that is needed.

Health Care In Prisons- How does it stack up?? Fact Sheet/Article/Short Video - Amnesty

Wow- Lots of information here! As I read the article my mouth kept dropping yet wasn't all that suprised at some of the information.
The Retaliation and Fear in the Article seems to be alarming. I can understand why the guards/employees would be encouraged to review personal history files BUT I cannot think of how it is appropriate to not keep complaints against an employee confidential in fear of corruption of those people. I keep thinking in my mind to try to think of a solution but even if specific complaints but not entire personal history files were kept confidential the employee would still be aware there was a complaint at one point and time against them (if that makes sense). Regardless, there is unfortunately corruption and it seems as if it will be a challenging task to solve yet is still SO SO important!

Also- The video- this seems a moral question of humanity. What's humane and who qualifies for the same treatment? If one brutally murders should they receive healthcare? I fight with this question but ultimately all I can think of is an older human being who is vulnerable and helpless in old age in need of health care. I still am fighting with this question.

Clearly, Health care in prisons is less than satisfactory. Is there any good infomation about health care in prisions or it must be this bad. Considering many women are in prison for non-violent crimes (and what about those who have committed violent crimes) it seems riduculous the health care is so limited and unacceptable. Considering a prision is run by the state/federal government I am suprised conditions are this bad due to the state/country regulating them. At what cost and to who should bear these costs so prisoners are able to receive even at least adequate health care? Things need to obviously improve but (not to sound harsh) but who bears this costs? Taxpayers? and if prisoners are charged with this cost how are they to pay AND how is society setting them up for success once (if) they get out of prison?

Mothers in Prison in England For Class Printout

I  found two great sites pertaining to mothers in prison. I will highlight the key points and then list the website below each section.


1.
*There are 14 women's prisons in England.

*There are 7 mother and baby units.

*Around 55% of women in prison have a child under 16, 33% a child under 5 and 20% are lone parents.

*The specialist medical services provided for the women include breast and cervical screening, family planning and sexual health services.

* Every woman who is known to be pregnant will be consistently medically assessed and monitored, just as in the community.

*There are currently seven Mother and Baby Units. 2 of them allow mothers to keep their babies with  up to the age of 9 months.  4 of them accommodate babies with their mothers up to the age of 18 months.

** Each application for admission is assessed on an individual basis by a multi-disciplinary-team, whose focus will be the best interests of the child.

*Children are allowed to visit their mothers in prison in the same way as other visitors. In some instances, prisoners are allowed extended, more relaxed visits with their children or can get permission to visit their children where they are living.

**If a friend, who would not normally qualify for travelling expenses from the Assisted Prisons Visits Unit, brings the children to the prisoner, then they would be able to have their travel expenses reimbursed.

http://www.hmprisonservice.gov.uk/adviceandsupport/prison_life/femaleprisoners/

2. *Currently, there are over 80 places for mothers and babies in prisons across the UK

(This was a pdf that was 38 pages long but thought it may be useful to print out certain excerpts from pages 12-25 more most interesting) These are chapters on  pregnancy, mothers and baby units, and separation. The above excerpt is from the separation chapter).

http://maternityaction.org.uk/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/prisonsreport.pdf

Vanessa

According to HMPS, it is policy to facilitate a mother leaving prison with her child, if at all

possible, thereby avoiding any separation. For example, a woman serving a four year sentence

who enters prison with her baby can probably expect to be paroled when her baby

is 18 months old, if she meets the conditions for parole. However, under existing policies,

some mothers do have to be separated from their babies while in prison.

Mothers in Prison

Ironic- In my Politics of Reproduction class we are talking about FAS, narcostics during preganncy, smoking during pregnancy (more of the entries into motherhood leading to incarceration). I know that motherhood most definately goes far far beyond birth but just have everything we've studied about new mothers becoming incarcerated before/shortly after giving birth.

Unfortunately, the stereotype of mothers who are in prison are not ethnically white. However, depending on the drug  that a woman uses for instance women who do crack are more likely to be African American but women who do meth are more likely to be white. (Just discussed in class today).

I have very mixed feelings of mothers in prison. I think it's easy to pass judgement on a mother who is in prison without seeing a face or a their situation that led them to being convicted and being sentenced to prison.

Something to think about: since women are in prison are less than 2% for violent crimes and most are drug related, misuse of credit cards, fraud, etc. (mostly drug convictions I'm thinking of) what is the problem here? Maybe government funding/tax dollars should be spent on recovery/prevention programs/child care programs rather than tax dollars to women being incarcerated and the children suffering from having their mother absent during their life.

Looking forward to tomorrow and I think may be a heavy day if we're talking about motherhood while incarcerated. Something I think that will be extremely touchy and personal for the women incarcerated who are mothers (rightfully so). See you tomorrow :) !

Welfare/ Chapter 7 Socializing Care

I feel that I have always thought of welfare in many different ways and have had different attitudes toward women receiving welfare. Quite honestly (but not proudly) in previous years I had underlying assumptions of the typical stereotype of welfare mothers as lazy women taking advantage of money given toward them. More recently (especially with Women's Studies) I have mixed emotions yet I understand that a large portion of welfare receipiants are struggling and desperately need the assistance.

This chapter was awesome to take step by step the "evolution" of the welfare system. Ironically, the intial goals of the welfare system have now (from what I gather) have created a perpetuating cycle of basically trapping women into poverty (as well as their child(ren)). This was the exact opposite effect of the goals to allow women to rise out of poverty.

Unfortunately, the welfare system has shown to be like a trap for women. Changes could certainly be made to financially help women or even more valuably for our society/economy to value care work (ie: mothers raising children that leads to the creation of human capital!). But who will pay for this?

I assume there will be changes in the future toward welfare but it seems as though the ideas behind welfare have not improved with supporting single/widowed mothers. One thing is for sure: these mothers need the assistance and the tools to raise them out of poverty and all the complications that are effects of poverty.

American Electra

There is so much to think about reading this article! As I was reading I would read from each side (young vs. "older" feminists) and would think "Well she is right." then read the other side and think "She is right too."

I must have to admit I do think that feminism today is much different. Lady Gaga is seen as an icon but I'm not so sure that her wearing a dress that looks like meat or that shes bleeding to death to an awards ceremony admits her as the lead icon for feminism today. She is certainly someone to look to for flashy outfits and radical music videos but a truly the feminist young women today look to? Then again, through the issues of whether she's a hermaphrodite and some of her music videos and the ideas behind them have good messages at points (some messages not so great). My point is, Lady Gaga (as a feminist icon for today's feminisim) proves good points to be out there and to be who you are yet if this is how feminism is looked at- how is someone going to get a respectable career if they walk around in outfits that are extremely bizarre? I apologize but my thoughts go back and forth on this a lot so "I'm writing it as I think of it".

Also I think there is an important point to be heard that women who were feminists through previous decades do have much significance (obviously) and I think people (both young and "older feminists") forget that so much has changed within those decades in our society and culture. We are in a post industrialist society and not industrial. The world is different now. I find it hard to embrace both new and past feminism without disrespecting either side.

Diversity Dialog

Well Ladies-

I think I may have misunderstood our blogging questions this week. I think I already answered what I thought of the women/experience several weeks ago so I will make up for this blog if it's incomplete!!

The Diversity Dialog
I must say it's like a breath of fresh air to be in there and actually share what I think. When Linda said "Let's be real in here and not hold anything back" she meant it and I loved it because I truly felt comfortable (plus you girls are very easy to be around!)

I loved that we can talk about over compensation because it's probably something many of us in that group experience at one point or another.

I think I may feel differently or more held back if (I'm still being brutally honest here) there was someone of a different skin color or ethnicity in the room in fear of offending someone (which is the LAST thing I would want to do)! It's like a double edged sword but I think the dialog was great- I felt like I got some things out in the open that I probably wouldn't bring up. Loved it!

Where do I see myself in 10 years? How will I get there?
Loaded questions. Loaded, loaded questions. I feel anxiety just thinking about it. I have always wanted and been expected to follow mom and go to law school, assume the legal profession, work very hard, and live comfortably. I do want this. I do have days where I wonder if that's really what I want (but overall, yes this is what I truly want!).

I will be 32 in 10 years, it's hard to imagine. I plan to be in my career by then as an attorney in the Mason City area and close to family/friends. I see myself having a successful practice, in part from hard work and in part by benefiting from my mom's reputation. I hope I don't disappoint anyone, including my mom. I think I will be married, to Levi, at that point and possibly have child(ren). I love kids I just can't imagine having my own  child. I do think I will have a child or children by then it's just not fathomable but I am sure it will be a great part of my life whenever it happens. I see myself living in a great home in the country somewhere too.


How will I get there?
After I take a year off next year and work/volunteer, and get great LSAT scores ( fingers crossed! )  I will be applying to law school. This will be a HUGE chunk of me "getting to where I want to be." First, I have to be accepted to a law school. Next, I have to get through law school. After that I have to pass the bar exam. Three short sentences will rule my life for the next 4-5 years, and I'm sure it will be worth it.

I will get to the marriage part when it's ready for me. This is the path in my life that I do not get anxiety about and don't fret if/when I will get there. If it's the right time to get married, it's the right time and I don;t suspect this will be anytime soon (which is ok!).



How will your GWSS background help you?

My GWSS background will help me many ways and I'm sure at times without my realizing it. As I see it, most of the classes I've taken in Women's Studies (now GWSS) is applicable to reality that I'm in contact with everyday in interactions at work and socially. I have a broad range of knowledge gained so far that's beneficial. Also, my BA in GWSS will help me apply to the next level :) .


 What are things you need to learn or do to achieve your goals? (lists and bullets are fine)
* Passion
* Determination
* Support
* Long hours of experience
* Taking opportunities
* Risking
* Experience
* Commitment
* Money
* Caffine (pun intended, but seriously)

JUSTICE!

Journal: How does your experience with theories you have encountered in
Women’s Studies inform your ideas about justice? What is justice? What is just?

Justice is a extremely complex term, in my mind. I think the meaning of justice changes on a case by case basis, as justice seems like it is a fluid term meant for a variety of different instances. I think in terms of feminine justice as justice in the workplace, justice in equality (women and race/ethicicty), justice in education, justice in reproduction, justice in general to all. Initially when I think of the word justice I do think of a Judge sentencing someone to "ensure justice has been served" yet many times that is not enough/sufficient.

I understand the idea of restorative justice in a postive light but think I need more background of how exactly this would be approached. I strongly think that the victim/committer or the crime is a strong approach in the right direction. Although painful, (depending on the situation) I think it most certainly provide closure or assist in dealing with whatever crime committed. I think forgiveness, if it is possible in some situations, would be more attainable if the committer of the crime was able to discuss, apologize, etc. to the victim. I am also weary of that system because just as the criticisms, I think in some instances it would be inappropriate to speak with the victim. I should look farther into this idea but do think the overall objective of restorative justice is a positive.

I feel something is just simply when it is fair. Something is just when morality is in tact and all things considered the best decision ensures the equality towards parties/people/entities.

Can't wait for tomorrow!

 What are prisons for?

What are prisons for... At this point it's hard to determine. I have an extremely hard time distinguishing the reasons for prisons. Of course prisons are for those who have been sentenced as a sanction for violating the law to some degree. To my suprise, prisons are also for people who have mental disabilites rather than going to an institution that is specifically for that reason. I do think the common assumption is for prisons to address and sanction those who commit crimes with little to no sympathy for the reasons people have committed crimes. While I feel I am much more sympatetic toward women/men in prison for various, sometimes totally justifiable reasons, what about those who commit crimes that 100% deserve to be sentenced to prison? Sometimes bad people do bad things for the right or wrong reasons and sometimes good people do bad things for the right or wrong reasons. How is one to decipher which is which? Yes I know the judicial system is the one to choose but really, how often are people sentenced for something they shouldn't be, or how often are people sentenced for far too less than they should be? (Sorry for the run-ons, it's hard to explain my thoughts on this without rambling.)


Why are we going to ICIW?

I think we are going to ICIW to help those who are "in" learn and to help us who are "out" learn. I loved it and thought about when the gal who came into our class last Friday said we have an obligation as citizens to ensure those who are incarcerated are going to come out as better people, with better skills, and so on for OUR community that we, our family, and our friends live in. I think there are a lot of reasons we are going to the ICIW but I think the main concern is to give a "bigger picture" to both the women but us who are going to the prison as well.
How can this impact us and the women we encounter?

I think that this experience will impact me more than I realize. I know and expect this will have an impact on the way I think about prisons, the inmates, why the inmates are there, and what we can do about it. What we can contribute to better ourselves as people and to better the women "inside" for a brighter look to a new route in life. I am so excited but I have no idea on the degree of impact this will have on my life and the women we encounter, but I really anticipate it will have a larger impact than I anticipate.
What do we expect? Hope will happen? Fear? What questions do we have?
I have NO idea what to expect. My initial vision of what this would be like when I signed up for this last semester was much different than it will be, I'm sure. I have mixed feelings on what to expect. I know there are people "inside" that probably don't deserve to be incarcerated, while some do, but when Rachel said these women are protective of me and so on my expectations/anticipations changed (in a good way). I hope I really learn from this and take something from the experience. What I really hope is I can impact someone other than myself as well, regardless of who it is. I am horribly afraid the women or some will dislike me, not want to open up to me, or will be a bad experience (I know it won't be though!). Questions for now: I have none, yet.  I'm sure after tomorrow I will be loaded with questions that I will probably ask on the drive back and long after.
 
I am SO excited for this.
 
 

Ethic of Care

WHAT'S AN ETHIC OF CARE?

From what I've read I've had a difficult time putting a definition together for the Ethic of Care. It seems as if an ethic of care is one of those complex terms that is hard to define yet you have a decent understanding of what all encompasses a term. From my understanding it's a large term emcompassing a lot of ideas/theories. What I have come to define the term of an ethic of care is that there are NO fixed rules that must be followed when providing an ethic of care, there's no "exact formula."


There is certainly a (moral) difference of right vs. wrong and providing an ethic of care is putting yourself in someone else's position. It seems I have to envision their situation as my own to understand. The interesting aspect of an ethic of care that didn't come immediately to mind is there is the ability to provide care through action as well as not any taking action.



I can apply this to my everyday life and future career. When I come into a situation I have improved on not passing immediate judgement on someone. I think I also need to apply the ethic of care in everday life in that I should'nt avoid caring/helping someone because of my own obligations and "busy schedule" that everyone else has as well.

I work at an office where there are a portion of clients who have taken paths in their life that are less than favorable going from drugs, domestic abuse (staying with abusive partners exposing their children), having their children taken away by DHS, etc. and wanting to get their children back or whatever the case may be. The majority of these clients who are in this position desperately want to change and when I first starting working there I found it extremely hard to feel compassionate toward them.

Just like the article, I found many of the clients with hardships that appear to not care because of the choices they have made are completely the opposite and want the best for their family/children. I hope to eventually go to law school and practice family law as well and think the ethic of care is a extremely important in that respect.