Jennifer Hirsch Chapters 4, 6, & 7

Discussion Questions Topic The Balance of Power in Marriage 1. What does power look like in traditional marriages? How is power expressed? Do women lack power? Explain 2. Does power look different in modern marriages? Discuss the impact that living in the U.S. has on power relations. Identify and discuss changes in men’s definition of masculinity. Discuss domestic violence 3. Are modern marriages more equal? What are the benefits and cost of modern marriages to women?

Traditional: Overt recognition of male power. But,Women “managed” men—women resisted. Modern: Focus on shared decision making. Women have more freedom of movement. But, class differences in how women experience U.S. Redefinition of masculinity—rejection of “macho” behavior. Rejection of “beating” wife, but some retain the “right” to “slap” wife to remind her of her place. Some resentment of the focus on individual rights in the U.S. (domestic violence law) Companionate marriage does not equate to equality for women.

Topic Reproductive behaviors Reproductive behaviors 1. Identify and discuss the two key changes in reproductive behaviors/choices for Mexican women living in the U.S.? Which group of women are more likely to embraces these two changes? 2.How do women view birth control? What are their fears? Who is more likely to use technological methods?

Key Changes:  A. Delayed childbearing (does not always play out in practice)  B.Limit family size. Determining Factors:  Age and, to a lesser extent migration. Birth Control:  Fear it will cause infertility.  Fear God will punish for using it.  Thus, a call to have at least one child before using technological methods of birth control.  Some still embrace traditional methods.  Traditional methods coincide w/ companionate marriage (shows that sex for intimacy is important)  Traditional methods believed to be better for reproductive health (i.e., does not cause infertility).