Please watch Arlie Hochschild’s discussion of women and work, what she terms the ‘Second Shift’: Next watch Stephanie Coontz discusses the history of marriage and how marriage demographics are shifting: Finally, watch the documentary regarding Nepal’s orphan and international adoption industry Write 250-word response relating the three videos to changes in the family and capitalism. How has capitalism influenced the second shift, the changing marriage demographics, and issues of adoption? What are the common threads in all of these changes to the family?

The three videos – Arlie Hochschild’s discussion on the ‘Second Shift,’ Stephanie Coontz’s analysis of changing marriage demographics, and the documentary on Nepal’s orphan and international adoption industry – shed light on the interplay between family dynamics and capitalism. These videos explore how capitalism has influenced the ‘Second Shift,’ marriage demographics, and adoption issues while uncovering common threads in these changes.

Arlie Hochschild’s concept of the ‘Second Shift’ refers to the additional unpaid domestic labor that women perform after their paid employment outside the home. Hochschild argues that capitalism has affected the ‘Second Shift’ by intensifying the demands of paid work on individuals. This process is driven by the need for economic growth and profit maximization, which leads to longer working hours, increased job insecurity, and the blurring of boundaries between work and personal life. As a result, women often find themselves bearing a disproportionate burden of household chores and childcare responsibilities, despite their increased participation in the labor force. Capitalism’s emphasis on productivity and economic efficiency has perpetuated traditional gender roles and reinforced the notion that women are primarily responsible for caregiving.

Stephanie Coontz delves into the history of marriage and examines how marriage demographics have evolved over time. She highlights how capitalism has played a significant role in shaping marital dynamics. Capitalism’s influence on marriage can be seen in various ways. For instance, capitalist economies thrive on a stable and productive labor force, which has historically been achieved through marriage and nuclear family structures. Capitalism’s focus on individualism and autonomy has also led to changing attitudes towards marriage, divorce, and gender roles. Economic independence and increased opportunities for women have resulted in a shift towards more egalitarian marriages. At the same time, economic inequalities and the increasing financial demands of raising a family have exacerbated stressors within marriages, leading to higher divorce rates.

The documentary on Nepal’s orphan and international adoption industry exposes how capitalism has impacted adoption issues. Global capitalism has created a global market for adoption, where the demand for children from wealthier countries and individuals seeking to adopt surpasses the supply of orphans. This has given rise to ethical concerns, including the commodification and exploitation of vulnerable children. Capitalism’s profit-driven nature has allowed adoption agencies and intermediaries to profit from brokering adoptions, often prioritizing financial gain over the best interests of the children. In some cases, these practices have resulted in the trafficking of children, unethical adoptions, and the separation of children from their families.

A common thread in all these changes to the family is the influence of capitalism on family dynamics and relationships. Capitalism’s emphasis on economic productivity and growth has perpetuated traditional gender roles, leaving women with an increased burden of domestic labor. Simultaneously, capitalism’s focus on efficiency and individualism has influenced marital dynamics, leading to both increased egalitarianism and heightened stresses within marriages. Lastly, capitalism’s creation of a global adoption market has affected the welfare and rights of children, raising significant ethical concerns.

In conclusion, the three videos highlight how capitalism has influenced the ‘Second Shift,’ changing marriage demographics, and adoption issues. Capitalism’s drive for productivity and profit has intensified the demands of paid work on women, perpetuated traditional gender roles, and blurred the boundaries between work and personal life. Furthermore, capitalism has shaped marital dynamics by both promoting gender equality and exacerbating marital stressors. In the realm of adoption, capitalism has created a global market, leading to ethical concerns and exploitation. These changes reflect the complex relationship between capitalism and the family, revealing the ways in which economic systems impact the everyday lives of individuals and the construction of family dynamics.