Difference between revisions of "Week 15 Questions/Comments-327 11"
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(→Isabel Eaton, 1899, research on black servants in Philadelphia) |
(→Helen Campbell, 1893, study on NY wage laborers, “Shop Girls and Piece Workers”) |
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Campbell's acknowledgement of horrible conditions in these factories seems to not deter women from continuing to line up for these jobs and jump on any opportunity to acquire the position. It is obvious that poverty can drive people to do things out of desperation and a need to survive. However, there is still a deep-rooted desire in these poor women to join the ranks of wealthy women. Campbell writes: "From her post behind the counter the shop-girl examines every detail of costume, every air and grace of the women she so often despises, even when longing most to be one of them" (294). Marriage for these poor women was viewed as an escape from the harsh reality of poverty they were trapped in. --Ellen S. | Campbell's acknowledgement of horrible conditions in these factories seems to not deter women from continuing to line up for these jobs and jump on any opportunity to acquire the position. It is obvious that poverty can drive people to do things out of desperation and a need to survive. However, there is still a deep-rooted desire in these poor women to join the ranks of wealthy women. Campbell writes: "From her post behind the counter the shop-girl examines every detail of costume, every air and grace of the women she so often despises, even when longing most to be one of them" (294). Marriage for these poor women was viewed as an escape from the harsh reality of poverty they were trapped in. --Ellen S. | ||
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| + | Campbell's description of the shop girls imitating their rich customers is significant to the culture of a shop girl aspiring for a better social class and life. The job of "sales lady" is coveted among working women because the occupation is dreamed as a position to elevate themselves socially. Their jobs as shop girls, allow them to see the upper middle class elite lifestyles. While imitating their customers, the shop girls hope that their facade will allow them to become part of the upper middle class. Campbell writes that these imitations, such as, "gilt rings, bracelets and bangles, frizzes,"allow the shop girls to "stimulate the life daily paraded before her and most passionately desired" (415).-- Michelle M. | ||
== Lucy Maynard Salmon, 1897, Vassar Historian who studied domestic service == | == Lucy Maynard Salmon, 1897, Vassar Historian who studied domestic service == | ||
