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Abstract: This paper will explore individual economic success as sociological enterprise. Sociological discourse is utilized to analytically explore the historical and social impact of Martha Stewart on the institutions of family and work while simultaneously acknowledging a relationship to the dimensions of race, class and gender. In essence, this unique mix of history and sociology will highlight the contributions of one woman to two major socializing institutions, work and family -- through yet a third medium of socialization, the media.
This paper addresses the success of Martha Stewart and treats her success as a unit of sociological inquiry and analysis in the contemporary work and family domain. Because of modern technology, Martha Stewart, the modern media queen of domesticity, can enter most homes in America and discuss various techniques of household repair, recycling or elegant cuisine. With exposure in nearly every medium of modern communication, Stewart reaches a global audience, nationally as well as internationally, and as a result, she is widely respected and admired for her domestic savvy. Her contemporary domestic appeal extends to a diverse populace. Various ethnic families and individual admirers identify with her talents, as her expertise honors the American work ethnic while encouraging individual effort in domestic tasks.
Historically speaking, Martha Stewart has made significant contributions to family history. She has taken a diminished, but pertinent dimension of family life and recreated it for the work world. Her success also opens the door to a contemporary perspective on the sociological dimensions of race, class and gender.
On a theoretical level Stewart's success indicates an adaptation to structural functionalist thought, given the essence of her work is central to traditional gender role attitudes, behaviors and beliefs. On yet another level, Stewart's success more adequately compliments feminist thought as her success transcends structural restraints and limitations imposed by traditionalism.
THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES
Classical and contemporary theory, applied with a family history and work focus, create a pathway for greater examination, and a more comprehensive explanation and generalization of Stewart's success. The dimensions of race, class and gender provide additional explanations and an indisputable link between these classical and contemporary perspectives.
The Structural Functionalist view of society embraces traditional gender roles in the family. The family is viewed as a very important element in...