What is kin work? In what sense is kin work gendered labor? Discuss how kin work as

Question

gendered labor is linked to industrialization and the development of "separate spheres". How
has kin obligation changed with industrial development?

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Kin work is conceived by the author to consist of maintenance of relationships ritual
celebration of cross household kin ties, visits, letters, telephone calls, presents and cards to
kin. It includes also organization of holiday gatherings, in creation and maintenance of quasikin (fictive kin) relations. Such work also entails deciding whether or not to intensify or
neglect certain individuals, reflections on all these activities, and the creation and
communication of rituals, of altering images of family and kin.
Kin work is gendered, women's labor. In earlier times of industrialization when men were
considered the primary wage earner, women naturally assumed these duties. Separate spheres
based on gender reinforced the notion that women were better equipped to deal with emotions
and relationships, and men were somehow excused as being unable to do so. Men were neither
supposed to do kin work nor show interest in such matters, save in conjunction with spousal
plans. Students will be intrigued by thinking and writing about changes in these attitudes and
expectations accompanying social revolution into the information age. They may discuss
possible future changes based on domestic, economic, and social spheres become more
balanced between men and women.