Economics of Women, Men, and Work by Blau, Francine, Marianne Ferber, Ann Winkler - Essay Example

Changes in the labor market are continuing to alter not only the basic economy.  Alterations with family and home, as well as gender identity, are also developing and changing the lifestyle which many have.  In the book, Economics of Women, Men, and Work, there are specific perceptions of how the concepts of gender identity and family coincide with the changes in the economy and the labor market.

  Segments of this book provide the reader with a deeper understanding of how this is changing with macroeconomics as well as through individual levels of living.  Family structures, as well as the concept of what it means to live a comfortable life,  are not only changing because of what individuals believe.  Instead, there is a belief that the concept of family is based on what is required for the labor market and is centered around creating new lifestyle systems that are based on the market demand.

  Family Structures The first concept that is shown in the book of economics is how the family structure is beginning to alter specifically because of the labor market.  The required lifestyle for most families is changing because of the need for comfort and financial means.  At the same time, the labor market is also shifting with the need to have diverse workers and more resources available.  Marriages, family structure, and couple families are all beginning to alter because of the needs within the market.

  The authors point out that marriages are now being based not only on love marriages but are becoming centered on the market needs and the way in which different families can build a comfortable home for themselves.  The family structure is also changing, specifically, because there are needs for resources within the market which parents have to comply with, leaving children and other members of the family with changing activities and rules which apply to the compliance with labor regulations.

  The family is now being recognized as an economic unit, which is built from providing a lifestyle that is comfortable and which is able to thrive through the income and career that the parents are able to hold for their children.