Essay Requirements: 900-1200 Words, The Report Should Includ ✓ Solved

Essay Requirements900 1200 Words the Report Should Include Sec

The report should include a section on the interview: background on your subject and why you chose her, how you developed your questions, how the interview was conducted (where/when/what format), what did you learn that you didn’t know about your subject, what surprised you, was the process easy/difficult, did she answer the questions you wanted to ask? Analysis of the interview: direct quotes from the interview itself to support your claims about your subject; think about which answers she gave would be most interesting to an audience interested in Women’s Studies scholarship. Direct quotes from learning resources (course modules, articles, PowerPoints, other documents) to relate the topics and answers in the interview to Women’s Studies topics. Detailed discussion about how the interview and the material from the course fit together – this is where you analyze your subject’s responses as a contribution to Women’s Studies scholarship. This essay should demonstrate that you understand the Women’s Studies concepts you reference in the essay; can demonstrate connections between your interview and our learning resources; can write an organized, clear, detailed, and properly cited essay. Use APA Style to format the report and all citations (in-text and in the references list).

Paper For Above Instructions

Title: An Interview with Cynthia: Navigating the Challenges of Women’s Roles

This essay discusses the insights and experiences shared by Cynthia, a family friend, during an interview conducted on June 23rd at her home. The intention behind this interview was to explore Cynthia's life, particularly her struggles with domestic violence and the responsibilities she bore as a single mother. Cynthia's narrative offers valuable contributions to Women’s Studies, highlighting the complexities of women's roles in society, domestic responsibilities, and resilience amidst adversity.

Background and Motivation

I chose to interview Cynthia because her life story embodies the challenges and triumphs many women experience. As a family friend, I was aware of her history, which prominently includes overcoming domestic violence and navigating the difficulties of single motherhood. These experiences are reflective of broader societal issues concerning women’s rights and empowerment. My questions were developed to elicit detailed responses about her life, focusing on aspects such as gender roles, expectations of women, and her personal journey.

Conducting the Interview

The interview was conducted in a conversational format, allowing for an open dialogue. Cynthia's willingness to share her story made the process smooth and insightful. One surprising revelation was her ex-husband’s inadequate support during their marriage, which shed light on the dynamics of power and responsibility often present in domestic settings. The ease of our communication facilitated an honest exchange, leading to a more profound understanding of her experiences.

Insights Gained

During the interview, I discovered aspects of Cynthia’s past that were previously unknown to me, such as the lack of involvement from her ex-husband in their family life. This revelation underscored the societal norms that often dictate the distribution of household responsibilities and the expectations placed on women. It was enlightening to hear Cynthia articulate her experiences in a way that highlighted the gendered dimensions of labor within the home.

Analysis of the Interview

Cynthia’s experiences are emblematic of the challenges faced by many women in patriarchal societies. Her reflections on childhood experiences, particularly those involving domestic abuse, bring to light critical issues that are often overlooked. For instance, she stated, “Girls were expected to do their part and the boys kind of got away with not doing anything,” illustrating the entrenched gender roles that dictate expectations from an early age (Burkhard & Williams-Forson, 2013). This observation resonates with broader discussions in Women’s Studies about the socialization of gender roles and the implications for women’s agency and equality (Holberg, 2015).

Moreover, the imbalance in household duties within her marriage was starkly visible; Cynthia remarked, “It wasn’t, it was all on me,” revealing the burden that many women carry when it comes to domestic responsibilities (Mainardi, n.d.). This aligns with research that highlights how women, even when employed, often face the dual pressures of work and home life, leading to unequal distributions of labor and emotional stress (Standish, 2013). The themes of unrecognized labor and the societal expectations of women are critical points for analysis in Women’s Studies scholarship.

Cynthia’s determination to maintain a full-time job while being a single mother exemplifies her resilience. She shared how she managed to juggle her professional life with parental responsibilities, stating, “I wanted to make sure I got home at a decent time to cook dinner, spend time with them, make sure homework was done, and make sure they were bathed.” This statement reflects the pressure many women feel to fulfill multiple roles without adequate support (Burkhard & Williams-Forson, 2013).

Conclusion

The interview with Cynthia offered an enriched view of the struggles women face, particularly regarding domestic responsibilities and experiences of abuse. Her narrative shines a light on the intersectionality of gender, domesticity, and societal expectations, which are crucial elements in Women’s Studies. Through her story, Cynthia not only highlights her personal challenges but also contributes to a broader understanding of the systemic issues that disadvantage many women. The insights gleaned from her experiences reaffirm the importance of advocacy for gender equality and the recognition of women’s labor, both in public and private spheres. As Cynthia continues to share her story, she provides hope and empowerment for others who may face similar challenges.

References

  • Burkhard, B., & Williams-Forson, P. (2013). Module 2: Women and Body Politics, Commentary Section VI. In WMST 200 Course Modules.
  • Holberg, A. (2015). Motherhood. [PowerPoint slides]. UMGC.
  • Mainardi, P. (n.d.). The Politics of Housework. Caring Labor: an Archive.
  • Standish, R. (2013). Module 3: Women and Society, Commentary Section 1. In WMST 200 Course Modules.