For this assignment, you will have the opportunity to connect your reading to examples of men and women and their roles in a family unit as portrayed by mainstream media.
Instructions:
Select a family of your choice from a popular television show over the years. Feel free to select anything from earlier days, like I Love Lucy, or more recent such as Modern Family.
Discuss the following:
- Identify the show/movie you selected and provide a brief overview of each member in the family unit. In this overview, discuss their role.
- Discuss the roles and responsibilities of the primary caregivers in this household (husband/wife, single parent, grandparent/caretaker, same-sex couple, etc.).
- Connect the roles, responsibilities and expectations observed in the family dynamics to the concepts discussed in this week’s reading about men and women.
- Does this family adhere to traditional gender roles? Are the gender roles non-traditional? Do they apply to all family members? Are all family members expected to follow strict expectations about their gender roles? Does sexuality impact the gender roles in the household?
Gender Roles and Family Dynamics in Modern Family: A Reflection
Introduction
In the realm of popular television shows, "Modern Family" stands out as a prime example of portraying diverse family structures and dynamics. This assignment will delve into the roles and expectations of men and women within the family unit depicted in "Modern Family" and connect them to the concepts of gender roles discussed in the readings.
1. Overview of the Family Unit
"Modern Family" revolves around three diverse families interconnected through Jay Pritchett, his children, and their respective families. The main households include Jay's nuclear family, his daughter Claire's nuclear family, and his son Mitchell's same-sex family. Each family showcases distinct characters with unique personalities and roles.
- Jay Pritchett: The patriarch of the family, Jay, is portrayed as a traditional, successful businessman who often embodies stereotypical masculine traits.
- Claire Dunphy: Jay's daughter Claire is a working mother who balances her career with raising her children, embodying the modern-day multitasking woman.
- Mitchell Pritchett and Cameron Tucker: Mitchell and Cameron challenge traditional gender roles as a same-sex couple raising their adopted daughter Lily. Mitchell is portrayed as more reserved, while Cameron is depicted as nurturing and emotional.
2. Roles of Primary Caregivers
In "Modern Family," the primary caregivers exhibit a mix of traditional and non-traditional roles:
- Claire Dunphy: Claire takes on the role of the primary caregiver for her children, displaying qualities of nurturing, organization, and emotional support.
- Mitchell Pritchett and Cameron Tucker: Mitchell and Cameron challenge traditional gender roles by sharing caregiving responsibilities equally, showcasing that parenting roles are not inherently tied to gender.
3. Connection to Gender Role Concepts
The family dynamics in "Modern Family" reflect the evolving nature of gender roles in contemporary society. While Jay embodies more traditional masculine traits, characters like Claire and Cameron challenge and redefine traditional gender expectations by showcasing a blend of nurturing, emotional, and career-oriented qualities regardless of gender.
4. Adherence to Gender Roles and Impact of Sexuality
- Adherence to Traditional Gender Roles: While Jay may adhere to more traditional gender roles as the breadwinner and authority figure, characters like Claire and Cameron break away from traditional gender norms by showcasing a mix of qualities typically associated with both genders.
- Impact of Sexuality: The portrayal of a same-sex couple in the form of Mitchell and Cameron challenges conventional gender roles within a family unit. Their parenting roles are not dictated by societal expectations based on their sexuality but rather on their individual personalities and strengths.
Conclusion
"Modern Family" serves as a reflection of the diverse gender roles present within modern-day family structures. By showcasing characters that challenge traditional gender norms and expectations, the show highlights the evolving nature of gender roles within family dynamics and emphasizes that caregiving qualities are not bound by gender but rather by individual capabilities and choices.