Arlie Russell Hochschild

Definition

Arlie Russell Hochschild is a prominent American sociologist known for her research on the emotional labor involved in women's work, particularly in the context of globalization and migration. Her work examines how emotional labor shapes women's experiences and identities, especially as they navigate the challenges of balancing work and family responsibilities in increasingly globalized economies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hochschild's book 'The Managed Heart' discusses how emotional labor is often expected from women, especially in service-oriented jobs where emotional expression is crucial.
2. She coined the term 'second shift' to describe how working women often juggle their professional responsibilities with household duties after their workday ends.
3. Hochschild's research highlights the ways globalization affects women's roles in both the workforce and at home, leading to increased migration for employment opportunities.
4. Her work emphasizes that the expectations of emotional labor can lead to burnout and stress for women trying to meet societal demands in both their jobs and personal lives.
5. Through her studies, Hochschild has shown that while globalization can offer economic opportunities for women, it often comes with challenges that impact their emotional well-being and family dynamics.

Review Questions

• How does Hochschild's concept of emotional labor relate to the experiences of women in globalized economies?
  • Hochschild's concept of emotional labor reveals that women in globalized economies are often required to manage their emotions while working in service-oriented jobs. This expectation can create significant pressure on women to maintain a facade of positivity or care, regardless of their actual feelings. In doing so, these women navigate the complexities of balancing their professional roles with personal lives, highlighting the emotional toll that globalization places on their identities.
• Discuss how Hochschild's idea of the 'second shift' illustrates the impact of globalization on women's labor roles.
  • Hochschild's idea of the 'second shift' captures how working women face an additional layer of responsibility after their professional workday ends. As globalization increases job opportunities for women, it also means they often return home to perform unpaid domestic labor. This dual burden can lead to exhaustion and stress, showing how globalization reshapes not only women's employment but also their family dynamics and personal well-being.
• Evaluate Hochschild's contributions to understanding the intersection of women's labor, emotional labor, and migration in the context of globalization.
  • Hochschild's contributions provide critical insights into how globalization transforms women's labor experiences by intertwining economic opportunities with emotional demands. By examining the role of emotional labor, she highlights how women's identities are shaped by both their professional obligations and familial expectations. Furthermore, her analysis of migration reveals how women often leave their homes seeking better employment but may encounter new forms of exploitation or stress related to emotional labor. Thus, Hochschild's work is essential for understanding the complex realities faced by women navigating these intersecting forces.

Related terms

Emotional Labor: The process of managing feelings and expressions to fulfill the emotional requirements of a job, often seen in professions that require personal interactions, such as nursing or teaching.

Globalization: The process of increasing interconnectedness and interdependence among countries, primarily through trade, investment, and technology, which significantly impacts labor markets and migration patterns.

Care Work: Work that involves providing care and support to others, typically associated with roles in healthcare, childcare, and elderly support, often performed by women in both formal and informal settings.