Folbre - Bao

This article really made me consider the economics of my own household - both as functional unit involved in processes outside of the household as well as the economics withing the household itself. The issue of altruism especially stood out because of the difference in the way family members act between other members versus outside individuals. There are some arguments that say there can be no such thing as altruism. And if an individual helps out their family member, couldn't we still see that as them protecting the family or preserving the status of the household? If that's the case, then it is no longer "an unselfish concern" (Folbre, 260). Then again, I would like to believe that altruism does exist - or at least kin-based altruism. I would help out my parents or my younger sister if I were in the position to do so without expecting anything in return. Except perhaps the expectation that they would do the same for me. Does this still count as altruism though? I would like to think so - or at least I believe that mutual cooperation can exist.

I had a few other lingering thoughts after reading the Folbre handout. If there are different levels of household economics dictated by one's age, gender, or generation, how then can we make generalizations regarding household economics on a larger scale that most families fit into? The potential factors affecting these interactions include, but are not limited to, society, culture, and economic status within their environment. I think it would be helpful to try and understand how these things impact the relationships between family members, but I think it is very ambitious to come up with an economic theory of how the household functions.