Social Issue

Social Issue

Caregivers often find themselves faced with the daunting task of providing care for their loved ones or others placed under their charge. Some of these individuals require around the clock care, and need assistance with bathing, eating and dressing. Caregivers are often find satisfaction in providing this service, which may benefit their families, the communities in which they live, or society as a whole. However, caregivers are often the last to receive recognition for their efforts. Likewise, others who do not take on the role of caregivers have little knowledge of the caregiver’s role.

Background of the Social Issue

Throughout history, women have assumed the role of caregiver. Because of their nurturing spirit, their role became inherent, as an unspoken rule. The men would provide for the women, and children, and the women would in turn care for the needs of the men, and children, often with little regard for themselves. Placing themselves last, often led to the oppression of many women. Men regarded these women as subservient, weak, and not self-sufficient. Labor between the sexes became defined and labeled as “Women’s work” and “Man’s work.” Women were not allowed to make important decisions, and often stood idly by while the men made the decisions. As seen in The Chrysanthemums, by John Steinbeck, Elisa Allen is seen watching her husband and two men in business suits, negotiating the sell of thirty of Mr. Allen’s three-year-old steers. Because she is a woman, Elisa was not invited to the negotiations. She played no part in the decision making process, and no one sought her opinion. Mr. Allen only sought Elisa advice when it came to the night’s dinner and entertainment. Elisa was expected to tend to the affairs of the house, the cooking, cleaning, and gardening while Mr. Allen handled the business affairs of the farm. Elisa portrayed the role of an oppressed woman.

Sometimes, the role of caregiver falls upon men. In this setting, the man...