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

In "Dreams of the Overworked," Christine M. Beckman and Melissa Mazmanian offer vivid sketches of daily life for nine families, capturing the crushing pressure of unraveling plans and the healing warmth of being together. They challenge the seductive myth of the phone-clad individual by showing that beneath the plastic veneer of technology is a complex system of support, including retired in-laws, friendly neighbors, spouses, and paid help. The 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.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 02 August 2022
Publisher: Stanford University Press

A captivating exploration into the underlying factors that contribute to Americans' feelings of inadequacy in pursuit of their dreams, accompanied by a poignant call to embrace the support we provide one another in the realms of family and work.

Jay's days are characterized by a relentless schedule of back-to-back meetings, yet he consistently ensures that he picks up his daughter from swimming at 7 p.m., knowing he will return to his laptop later that night. Linda's thoughts drift towards the treadmill in her garage, a symbol of the physical activity she longs for amidst the endless cycle of laundry folding. Rebecca sits with one child focused on their math homework, while three others clamor for her attention, creating a lively and chaotic scene.

In their book, Dreams of the Overworked, Christine M. Beckman and Melissa Mazmanian present vivid portraits of nine families, offering a profound insight into the realities of contemporary life. Through their narratives, we are invited into the intimate spaces of homes and offices, where we witness the relentless pressure of unraveling plans and the profound healing power of being together. Moreover, we observe the intricate planning that goes into a successful day, often facilitated by the ubiquitous presence of phones and apps. However, as technologies empower us to accomplish more, they also perpetuate the illusion of limitless availability and connection. Weekends become filled with the task of checking emails, monitoring screen time, and counting steps, all integral components of our daily routines.

The stories within this book challenge the pervasive myth of the individual consumed by their phone, unveiling the intricate system of support that underpins our dreams. Retired in-laws, friendly neighbors, spouses, and paid help all play pivotal roles in scaffolding our aspirations, providing the necessary guidance and assistance. This book makes a compelling case for celebrating the structures that enable us to pursue our dreams, advocating for public policies and community organizations that foster support. It also prompts us to challenge the societal norms that perpetuate the notion that achieving success is solely dependent on individual effort, recognizing the importance of collective efforts and the collective support we provide one another.

In conclusion, Dreams of the Overworked serves as a powerful testament to the complexities and challenges of modern life. It invites us to reflect on the support systems that sustain us and to celebrate the structures that enable us to pursue our dreams. By advocating for policies that promote collective well-being and by fostering a sense of community, we can create a society where individuals feel valued and supported, regardless of their circumstances. Let us embrace the power of support and work together to build a future where dreams are not limited by inadequacy but are instead nourished and realized through the collective efforts of our families, communities, and society as a whole.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781503632639