Introduction

How Can We Share Family Responsibilities?

When women work, they do not have enough time to continue to take on all of the family responsibilities, so their husbands have to share housework. However, that is still far from "harmonization" because of socially deep-rooted attitudes about appropriate roles for men and women. Most men share housework if their wives are work-overload, sick or too busy with young children, but few share so that both husband and wife can have more leisure time. It is still very normal to see family men watching TV, reading the paper or drinking coffee while the women wash clothes, do the dishes or take care of children.
There is no "men's work" or "women's work" -- why should we keep that kind of discrimination between men and women? Unpaid family and community responsibilities are just as important as paid work. In fact, that kind of labor facilitates other work in society. We should value unpaid work to fulfill family and community responsibilities just as highly, and pay it just as well, as if we had to pay hired labor.
Men are taking a greater, but not yet an equal, share in responsibility for housework, childcare, care of the elderly than they used to do. It takes time to change social attitudes -- especially men's attitudes -- to achieve real equality. The same challenges exist with regards to boys contributing to housework, childcare and care of the elderly. Girls and women still make a greater contribution to these kinds of work. Many girls and women are to blame when they usually say to boys and men, "Out of the kitchen! This is women's place! "
 
 

Task

Your Task

1. In a mentoring team, discussion is essential. Allow each member to share ideas during each step of the WebQuest process.

2. During this study you will be discussing sharing household responsibilities.

3. Follow the six process steps.

Step 1 - Learn about the family history.

Step 2 - Read the case study and answer the reflection questions.

Step 3 - Produce a Problem Statement and add it to the Discussion/Communication box to share what you have done with others.

Step 4 - Use the Links to go on a WebQuest to research on the web.

Step 5 - Produce a Hypothesis and use the Discussion/Communication box to share what you have come up with.

Step 6 - Finally, use the Discussion/Communication box again to reflect and share on the learning experience.

 

Process

STEP 1 | STEP 2 | STEP 3 | STEP 4 | STEP 5 | STEP 6


Step 1: Learn about a family

Pick a family from the choices linked on the family history page and learn about a family, their history and all the struggles they are currently facing.

Family History Page

 

STEP 1 | STEP 2 | STEP 3 | STEP 4 | STEP 5 | STEP 6

Step 2: Read a case study on the family you picked

Read a case study from one of the following categories that match the family history that you read from Step 1

newlyweds

grandparents raising their grandchild

Create a list on a piece of paper under the heading: "What do we know?" This may include data from the family history, the case study, or information based on prior knowledge.

 

STEP 1 | STEP 2 | STEP 3 | STEP 4 | STEP 5 | STEP 6

Step 3: Develop a Problem Statement

A problem statement should come from your analysis of what you know. The problem statement will probably have to be refined as new information is discovered and brought to bear on the situation. Typical problem statements may be based on discrepant events, incongruities, anomalies, or stated needs of the family.

Need Help? View Problem Statement Helps

"What is this families problem"

Problem Statement Discussion Boards

Enter The Family Life Curriculum Forum and submit your problem statement on the discussion page.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forum Rules:

1. You must log on by creating a user name and password.

2. Each group should maintain the same user name to enable discussion consistency.

3. You may not use the discussion boards for sales or advertisements.

4. You may not use profanity.

5. Respect and courtesy for others is required.

 

 

STEP 1 | STEP 2 | STEP 3 | STEP 4 | STEP 5 | STEP 6

Step 4: Gather information on the Web

Search for what you need to know about your study

List on paper what is needed for your family. Presented with the problem, you will need to find information on this topic to research family issues. Make a second list on your paper under the heading: "What do we need to know?" These questions will guide searches that will take place on-line.

Click here to research the newlyweds
Click here to research the single Mom
Click here to research the blended family
Click here to research the grandparents

 

 

Step 5: Formulate a hypothesis

Under the heading: "What should we do?" list actions that may be taken, recommendations and solutions.

Need Help? View Hypothesis Helps

"What should we do?"

Hypothesis Statement Discussion Boards

Enter The Family Life Curriculum Forum and submit your hypothesis statement on the discussion page.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forum Rules:

1. You must log on by creating a user name and password.

2. Each group should maintain the same user name to enable discussion consistency.

3. You may not use the discussion boards for sales or advertisements.

4. You may not use profanity.

5. Respect and courtesy for others is required

 

 

STEP 1 | STEP 2 | STEP 3 | STEP 4 | STEP 5 | STEP 6

Step 6: Reflection and Sharing

As part of reflection and sharing, present your findings and recommendations. The presentation should bring together all the material gathered in the previous steps. Analyze the problem statement, questions, data gathered, analysis of data, and support for solutions and recommendations based on other peoples comments in the discussion pages to make an argument to support your solution.

Need Help? View Reflection Helps

"Conclusion"

Reflection Statement Discussion Boards

Enter The Family Life Curriculum Forum and submit your reflection statement on the discussion page.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forum Rules:

1. You must log on by creating a user name and password.

2. Each group should maintain the same user name to enable discussion consistency.

3. You may not use the discussion boards for sales or advertisements.

4. You may not use profanity.

5. Respect and courtesy for others is required.

 

Conclusion

The following are ways families can come together to create a more supportive households:

  • Expect and accept family members' differences of opinion, techniques and working styles, try to be flexible and work as a team.
  • Don't be afraid to ask for help in household responsibilities, and learn how to graciously accept it.
  • Express appreciation to family members who are trying to help, even if the help isn't exactly what is needed.
  • Be realistic in dividing up household responsibilities. Allow family members to help in ways they are able and divide tasks according to individual abilities, current lifestyles, and schedules.
  • Household responsibilities will vary from day to day, week to week. Encourage family members to remain flexible and pitch in when extra help is needed.
  • Involve the person who makes the mess to clean up the mess.
  • Every member of the household should always be a central part of all discussions and actions surrounding making a list of chores and responsibilities.
  • When chores and schedules don't mix. Have a back-up plan, if possible.

It may also be helpful to have family meetings. This may be a time to encourage everyone to feel part of a cooperative team. Provide rewards to be presented at the meetings and this will encourage everyone to participate in the household responsibilities.