Arlie Hochschild “The Second Shift”
Use the concepts of Hochschild’s theory to analyze Season 1, Episode 6 of Shameless (Killer
Carl). Remember that not only is it important to discuss how families/individuals from the show
exemplify the concepts in the theory, but also to discuss the limitations of the theory for
understanding the personal/family dynamics of the individuals in the show and making
suggestions for how the theory could be extended to include these folks. Also, there are multiple
individuals and at least three families, so please do not focus on one person. This is an analysis
of the family dynamics portrayed in the show, not one individual.
“Supermom” myth – Stereotypical image of the mom who can “have it all.” Works in the
professional labor force, does the domestic labor, and looks beautiful while doing it. Is organized
and professional; ready for any situation.
Stalled revolution – While women are moving into the domestic labor force, men are not making
a similar transition into the domestic sphere.
Second shift – the household labor that is done predominately by women. It is the second shift
because it is done in addition to professional labor outside of the home.
Gender Ideologies
Traditionalism – Gender ideology that says that husbands and wives have separate
spheres of responsibility in the family with husbands working in the professional labor
force outside of the home and women working in the domestic labor force in the home.
Egalitarianism – Gender ideology that says that domestic partners should share equally in
both domestic and professional labor inside and outside of the home.
Transitional – Mix of Traditional and egalitarian gender ideologies.
Family myths – A family myth is a lie that couples tell themselves in order to maintain harmony
within the family
Leisure gap – The gap in the amount of leisure time that each parent spends with the child(ren).
Compared to mothers, fathers spend an average of 3 additional hours per week of leisure time
with the child(ren).
Emotion work – Inducing or inhibiting feelings so as to render them ‘appropriate’ to a situation.
A conscious effort on managing emotions in order to maintain and fulfill social relationships.