Author: steff

My analysis of Canada’s family policies and the reinforcement of the hegemonic nuclear family and traditional gender roles…

In my opinion, I have been pleasantly surprised with the direction and trajectory of Canada’s future regarding these issues. As a society, we have come a long way for providing adequate childcare options, and for allowing both partners to be successful in the public sphere. In today’s economy it is rare for one partner to stay in the private sphere full time, however, there are more options for women to succeed while still maintaining a home balance. Of course there is always room for improvement to strengthen the home/work-life balance, and there is more room to bring equity to women in the workplace. Krull and Khan explain in detail about maternity care and the opportunities of leave from work to any parent regardless of their situation. This improvement has diluted the traditional gender roles as there is coverage for men or even partners who do not adhere to the traditional societal expectations. The increase of females in the public sphere has almost diminished traditional gender roles as well. In addition, the new policy announced by Trudeau last week regarding $10-a-day affordable child care plan has also helped families achieve a better-balanced work/home life as individuals such as single-parents or low-income families can work less as they do not need to afford absurd child care prices. This can be a step forward in achieving a better balance of the spheres. To conclude, of course there will always be room for improvement in these two areas, especially regarding policies. Canadian society and policies have made huge strides in order to achieve a better balance, abolish traditional gender roles, increase more opportunity for women in the workplace, better maternity leave & leaves alike, and affordable adequate childcare. I am grateful to live in this stage of Canadian society. 

My analysis of the Creation Story…

In the film, Creation Story, the Haudenosaunee really value women and their role in everyone’s lives. They respect the abilities of females, they recognize the importance of a females’ intuition, and they value what a woman can provide. They see females as more than just a bearer of offspring, but instead, a creator of life. The males in the film spoke very highly of the woman who took a chance and created a life for everyone. The respect that not only other females have for her, but also men alike, demonstrates that the Haudenosaunee respect both genders equally. In addition, their reactions to the twin that was less fortunate than the other were commendable. It was evident that one twin was not as developed and faced more struggles, yet they saw the value and importance of giving that individual a chance. It was a priority for Haudenosaunee to treat that struggling child fairly. Towards the end of the film, they discussed how they wanted to create a balance within the siblings, giving one of them the day and one of them the night. This tells me that the Haudenosaunee not only have significant respect for their females but for everyone. Personally, the way that I was raised was very similar. I have been taught to respect everyone, treat everyone fairly, and see the good in everyone. However, outside of my family circle, I cannot say the same. Society, although it appears to support and respect everyone, it does not as many females are not as valued in both the private or the public spheres. Also, the acceptance of children who are not born perfectly are still shamed to an extent, and fragment of ‘othering’ can be seen. Although I am lucky that I have been raised with similar values to the Haudenosaunee, I just wish society would catch up and do the same. 

^ “Women are not just a bearer of offspring, but a creator of life”. – Steffi

^ “Respect everyone enough to treat them fairly [the way they need to be treated] and allow for a balance that will enable everyone to succeed.” – Steffi

^ “She took a chance, followed her intuition, and created life for everyone.” – Steffi

But most importantly…

“Whatever you give a woman, she will make greater. If you give her sperm, she’ll give you a baby. If you give her a house, she’ll give you a home. If you give her groceries, she’ll give you a meal. If you give her a smile, she’ll give you her heart. She multiplies and enlarges what is given to her.” – Erick S. Gray

^This is why the Haudenosaunee are really impressive. They realize this about females. They recognize their worth and they value them greatly. The values that they obtain in regard to women and child-birthing should be the yardstick for everyone’s moral compass. They set a phenominal example of how all people, espeically females, should be treated.