Dreams of the Overworked, Melissa Mazmanian
Dreams of the Overworked, Melissa Mazmanian
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Dreams of the Overworked
Living, Working, and Parenting in the Digital Age

Author: Melissa Mazmanian, Christine M. Beckman

Narrator: Chelsea Stephens

Unabridged: 8 hr 30 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Tantor Media

Published: 06/09/2020


Synopsis

In Dreams of the Overworked, Christine M. Beckman and Melissa Mazmanian offer vivid sketches of daily life for nine families, capturing what it means to live, work, and parent in a world of impossible expectations, now amplified unlike ever before by smart devices.

We are invited into homes and offices, where we recognize the crushing pressure of unraveling plans, and the healing warmth of being together. Moreover, we witness the constant planning that goes into a "good" day, often with the aid of phones and apps. Yet, as technologies empower us to do more, they also promise limitless availability and connection. Checking email on the weekend, monitoring screen time, and counting steps are all part of the daily routine. The stories in this book challenge the seductive myth of the phone-clad individual, by showing that beneath the plastic veneer of technology is a complex, hidden system of support—our dreams being scaffolded by retired in-laws, friendly neighbors, spouses, and paid help.

This book makes a compelling case for celebrating the structures that allow us to strive for our dreams, by supporting public policies and community organizations, challenging workplace norms, reimagining family, and valuing the joy of human connection.

About Melissa Mazmanian

Melissa Mazmanian is associate professor in informatics at the School of Information and Computer Science at the University of California, Irvine.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Erin

Goals for the Overworked Parent: - Ask less of yourself-set realistic expectations - Ask for visibility-talk all the invisible work - Ask more of your devices-look for features that will help loosen the strings - Ask more of your organizations - Ask more of your politicians......more

Goodreads review by Alyss

Detailed breakdown of the myths and amplification of myths that pervade middle and upper class with brief points on the lack of support experienced in lower income brackets. Authors are aware of the limitations of the research and provide a foundation for discussing unspoken expectations in the Amer......more

Goodreads review by Amy

4.6......more