In order to look after her family, Tess took up a job in an insurance company entering data. Her job did not pay her much yet she worked for long hours with no pay rise. (Wiseman, 1998 p.7). This was because women were seen "lower down the hierarchy" in the workforce. (Connell, 2009 p.2). Also, women worldwide regardless of being from developed countries or the Third World countries have always been considered cheap labour. Jobs such as Tess’s were no longer as secured and well paid or full-time job when male participation was higher. (Acker, 2010 p.379). In addition, her job as a mother was limited due to constant work and her husband losing his job.
David lost his job as a result of his company transferring their work operations from Melbourne to Indonesia. (Wiseman, 1998 p.6). Globalization had left David driving taxis. This would have affected his masculinity in a lot of ways. For him to maintain his masculinity in a society where men are considered to be the bread winners, David could not just be a stay at home father. This is because good fathers are said to be those who "represent family in the outside world." (Connell, 2009 p.3). Furthermore, David's verbal response to the letter from his company displayed a kind of hegemonic masculinity. It is the kind where men show aggressiveness and dominance. (Acker, 2010 p.374)
As a result of both Tess and David having to work, their daughter Emma is left in the care of her Aunt Jessie. Jessie is a