How does this relate to the debate?
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| Wed, 08-20-2003 - 7:56pm |
Something occurred to me earlier and I wanted to see how others thought it might relate to the whole "which is harder SAH/WOH" portion of the debate that crops up so often.
I think that, when you look at either group *as a whole*, the WOHs might have it harder. And this is why ...
There are virtually no SAHMs who SAH because they "have to". There are virtually no SAHMs who are forced to SAH. A woman that SAH wants to SAH.(I'm sure there's a few exceptions out there; controlling dhs who MAKE their wives SAH, disabled children, etc) A woman that SAH doesn't hate her "job", or else she'd go get a WOH job. A woman that SAH is generally getting what she wants.
There are LOTS AND LOTS of WOHMs who WOH because they "have to". A single mom, or one whose dh doesn't make enough to support the family, or one with a disabled dh, whatever the case may be ... she may long, with all her heart, to SAH, but *can't*. Many WOHMs hate their jobs, but can't quit.
Anyhoo ... just wanted to stir up something new
Hollie

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Why is that a tough concept?
Being a SAHM right now is fine for me, I wouldn't want to do it for long extended periods of time though. I need adult interaction and to be away from babyworld for a while. I knew that before I had children. However, if we couldn't afford daycare or I was working merely to pay daycare, I wouldn't have any objections to staying at home.
So being a SAHM has its disadvantages and advantages just as a WOHM would have. Who has it harder? I actually think the SAHM does. There is so much misunderstanding around this positive role and then when the women are ready to go back into the workforce, they are welcomed back with unopened harms and a world that has skipped ahead of them.
Of course, once again, its not about what I want ... its about what my kids want.
Hollie
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