Navigating Networks: A Reflection

Every day, we interact with a web of networks. Referring to one's family, friends, and professional relationships. After studying study unit 4 we see that Ross examines various aspects of domestic life, including household organization, caregiving responsibilities, and gender roles. This led to evoking thoughts of the own parallels in my life. These parallels influence my decisions and contribute to my sense of belonging in the world.   

The closest social network would be my family. The ones I interact most and spend the most time with. They are the cause of my norms and way of life-shaping me into the person that I am today. My parents give me love and support providing my basic needs and therefore I reciprocate by obeying what they expect of me and in the future taking care of them as they have done for me. 

Friendship circles would be the second network, the least time spent but as one gets older and the environment changes you find yourself in their presence a bit more. Love interests would influence this network as well as your family network seeing that you involve them with one another.  This reciprocation is through support, giving, and receiving of different aspects like time. 

Professionally, this network is the one less close to you and involves people like in my life my HC members and lectors. I get reciprocation through learning and mentorship as well as knowledge and respect.  

In each of these networks, to elaborate, exchanges occur incessantly, weaving a tapestry of reciprocity and mutual benefit. Within my family, exchanges range from emotional support and caregiving to material assistance and shared responsibilities. Friendships thrive on the exchange of laughter, empathy, and shared memories, reinforcing bonds of trust and affection. Professional networks facilitate the exchange of wisdom and knowledge causing respect and guidance for you that haven't experienced this season in your life as they already have. 

Now looking back at study unit 4 Ross's aspects and one I resonate with most gender roles, seeing that it is seen as a cultural thing. In my personal life growing up the woman is seen as the caregiver and soft-hearted soul for the family and the husband is seen as the provider. The daughter helps and learns how to run a household. The son usually follows in his father's footsteps. Looking at a religious aspect as well, that is how these roles in my household are distributed.  

As I reflect on these networks, I realize that all the participants influence one another, and we are like a stone being thrown in the water unaware of the ripple effect each decision or action causes in each other's life. We are all connected and intertwined and dependent on each other's reciprocation. May that be distributing enough time to give a feel of recognition and therefore receiving a loyal friend> Doing your household choir making it easier for those around you, causing a teamwork effect in the house and reciprocating proudness in your parents. These networks are vital in one's life as well as for your personal growth and identity.