Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Work of sailors
I just recently read a book entitled "Magellan's Terrifying Circumnavigation of the Globe". This book did an excellent job of discussing the working conditions of the men on the ships. The conditions that the men aboard Magellan's fleet can be generalized to be the working conditions of most sailors of that time.
The book discusses how many times the men would have to go days and weeks with very little food. The food that was brought with often went bad very quickly. Being hungry no doubt meant that men were crabby and on edge, which makes for a difficult situation. Co-workers fighting with each other makes for a miserable existence. When ships would drop anchor, the first thing that they would do on land is to search for food or trade for food. Getting their hands on exotic fruits or fresh meat meant that they would live for a while longer.
Another thing that made their working conditions terrible were the punishments that the men often faced. If the workers would get out of line they would have to face the consequences. Some of the more minor consequences involved being tied to a pole for days at a time. The most extreme punishments involved torture and death. Having to fear a master tyrant makes for a terribly frightening work environment.
The book discusses how many times the men would have to go days and weeks with very little food. The food that was brought with often went bad very quickly. Being hungry no doubt meant that men were crabby and on edge, which makes for a difficult situation. Co-workers fighting with each other makes for a miserable existence. When ships would drop anchor, the first thing that they would do on land is to search for food or trade for food. Getting their hands on exotic fruits or fresh meat meant that they would live for a while longer.
Another thing that made their working conditions terrible were the punishments that the men often faced. If the workers would get out of line they would have to face the consequences. Some of the more minor consequences involved being tied to a pole for days at a time. The most extreme punishments involved torture and death. Having to fear a master tyrant makes for a terribly frightening work environment.
Women and work
Throughout history, women have generally had few legal rights and professional opportunities than men. Wifehood and motherhood were long considered to be the most significant professions for women.
Women were long considered naturally weaker than men, squeamish, and unable to perform work requiring muscular or intellectual development. In most preindustrial societies, for example, domestic chores were relegated to women, leaving "heavier" labor such as hunting and plowing to men. This ignored the fact that caring for children and doing such tasks as milking cows and washing clothes also required heavy, sustained labor. But physiological tests now suggest that women have a greater tolerance for pain, and statistics reveal that women live longer and are more resistant to many diseases.
Throughout the little time that America has been a country, the role of women in the workplace has changed a lot. Different things that are going on in the country have a great effect on the role of women in the workplace. Although women had very little right in early America, over time right were gained and access to jobs became more open. Also major events such as wars have opened careers to women. When the men go off to fight, someone must take their place. Also although there is still a "glass ceiling" women have many more opportunities than they have had in the past.
Women were long considered naturally weaker than men, squeamish, and unable to perform work requiring muscular or intellectual development. In most preindustrial societies, for example, domestic chores were relegated to women, leaving "heavier" labor such as hunting and plowing to men. This ignored the fact that caring for children and doing such tasks as milking cows and washing clothes also required heavy, sustained labor. But physiological tests now suggest that women have a greater tolerance for pain, and statistics reveal that women live longer and are more resistant to many diseases.
Throughout the little time that America has been a country, the role of women in the workplace has changed a lot. Different things that are going on in the country have a great effect on the role of women in the workplace. Although women had very little right in early America, over time right were gained and access to jobs became more open. Also major events such as wars have opened careers to women. When the men go off to fight, someone must take their place. Also although there is still a "glass ceiling" women have many more opportunities than they have had in the past.
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