Podcast Summary: The Dream – Episode "Women's Work"

Introduction

In the "Women's Work" episode of The Dream, hosted by Jane Marie of Little Everywhere, the conversation delves into the intricate relationship between multi-level marketing (MLM) practices and the socio-economic fabric of Owasso, Michigan. Released on March 5, 2025, this episode explores how MLMs have become deeply embedded in the community, particularly affecting women, amidst economic struggles and limited career opportunities.

1. Owasso: A Snapshot of Economic Hardship

Jane Marie sets the stage by painting a vivid picture of Owasso, a small town grappling with economic decline. Historically a bedroom community supporting the auto industry in Flint, Michigan, Owasso faced significant downturns in the 1980s with plant closures that devastated local employment. As a result, “25% of people here live below the poverty line” (06:46), highlighting the economic desperation that fuels the town's reliance on MLM schemes.

2. Family Ties to MLMs: Personal Narratives

a. Aunt Amy's MLM Journey

Jane introduces her Aunt Amy, a pivotal figure in her family's MLM involvement. Amy's extensive experience spans brands like Mary Kay, Herbalife, and Young Living Oils. Amy recalls, "We didn't do Tupperware parties. We didn't go to Tupperware parties" (11:37), emphasizing the diversity of MLM engagements within the family. Amy’s multifaceted roles as a hairdresser, MMA fighter, wife, and high school swim coach illustrate the pervasive influence of MLMs in various aspects of her life.

b. Grandma Ruth's Indirect Involvement

The narrative shifts to Jane's Grandma Ruth Golubiski, who, while not actively selling MLM products, partook in direct sales through discounts and family connections. Ruth shares, "I did have some pieces of Haul dishware that came from them" (22:59), indicating subtle yet impactful participation in the MLM ecosystem. Ruth’s frugality and sentimental attachments underscore the complex motivations behind MLM participation—beyond mere financial gain.

3. Historical Context and Gender Dynamics in MLMs

Jane seeks academic insight by interviewing Tracey Deutch, a history professor at the University of Minnesota specializing in gender and capitalism. Deutch provides a comprehensive backdrop on the evolution of MLMs:

• Origins and Gender Roles: Tracey explains that MLMs like Avon, founded in 1886, strategically recruited women to bypass restrictive markets and social norms. “Avon actually was founded in 1886,” she notes (32:56), highlighting the long-standing relationship between MLMs and female sales networks.

• Economic Necessity and Social Engagement: Deutch emphasizes that MLMs offered women a means to earn income while accommodating household responsibilities. “They have to stay at home, and so they're valued less” (34:55), she remarks, pointing out the intertwined nature of economic and social constraints.

• Emotional Labor and Community Building: Beyond financial transactions, MLMs provided social rewards and community engagement. “They felt appreciated,” Tracey observes (37:55), underscoring the emotional fulfillment that MLMs offered, which traditional employment structures often neglected.

4. Emotional and Social Implications of MLM Participation

The episode poignantly addresses the dual-edged nature of MLM involvement:

• Empowerment vs. Exploitation: While MLMs like Avon offered women roles that fostered independence and self-esteem, they simultaneously ensnared many in cycles of financial instability. Jane reflects on her great-grandmother Maxine’s life, illustrating how MLMs served as both a lifeline and a trap: “My great grandmother was poor, overwhelmed, and life had decidedly not kept her in the state of fur-coated happiness” (31:12).

• Community and Isolation: MLMs created tight-knit communities that provided emotional support but often required significant social investment and time. Amy reminisces about the warmth and camaraderie of direct sales parties, contrasting them with the solitary struggles faced by single mothers and economically disadvantaged women: “They were always really warm and really happy” (15:06).

5. Broader Implications and Reflections

Jane Marie integrates personal family history with scholarly analysis to offer a nuanced perspective on MLMs’ role in small-town America. The episode suggests that MLMs thrive in environments where economic desperation meets limited employment opportunities, particularly for women. This symbiotic relationship perpetuates both community bonds and individual financial struggles.

Notable Quotes:

• Jane Marie: “We kids, we loved these women. Loved the excuse to hang out and laugh as opposed to sitting in a basement shucking black walnuts” (15:06).

• Aunt Amy: “They make everybody nervous. They get so close to the board that the whole audience goes and then I laugh” (10:26).

• Tracey Deutch: “It's really impossible to separate questions of gender from questions of business strategy” (32:36).

Conclusion

"Women's Work" offers a compelling exploration of how MLMs have become both a source of empowerment and exploitation for women in economically struggling communities like Owasso. Through intimate family stories and academic insights, Jane Marie illuminates the complex dynamics that sustain MLM practices, urging listeners to consider the broader socio-economic factors at play. This episode serves as a poignant reminder of the intricate ties between gender, economy, and community in the pursuit of the American Dream.