Re: The value of Work

Robert Tighe (tighe@APSICC.APS.EDU)
Fri, 29 May 1998 12:17:06 -0400


Guy Giffard asked:

>As for women's role being undervalued: if women were being really
>considered as having no importance, they would be the ones used as cannon
>fodder when there's a war, while men would safely stay behind and hope
>their wives would come back in one piece.

Undervalued is a relative term, and the value placed on human
effort is determined by those who make the decisions. Because
the decisions are made almost exclusively by wealthy white men,
poor men become cannon fodder and poor people of both genders
and all races become industrial fodder. The reality is not
as simple as you imply.

However, even poor white men have something in common with rich
white men, so white men tend to get paid better, although they
are often still undervalued. Women and minorities are a few steps
further down on the value ladder.

The work and societal contributions of women have always been
undervalued, the occupations traditionally filled mostly by women
have always been underpaid, and these tendencies continue.

-- Bob Tighe

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Robert Tighe Resource Teacher tighe@apsicc.aps.edu
Instructional Technology
Albuquerque Public Schools We have met the enemy,
220 Monroe SW and it is us.
Albuquerque, NM 87108-2811 -- Pogo
USA
505-256-4266
http://www.aps.edu/aps/SW_depart/~Tighe/rtighe.html
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