Unique contributions to society

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-06-2006
Unique contributions to society
1504
Thu, 10-19-2006 - 4:12pm

In another thread, the "unique" contributions of SAHM's were alluded to but it wasn't stated what they are. Let's play a game and find out what they are. First, pretend that as of tomorrow, all moms SAH and detail what will be missing from society then pretend that all moms go to work and detail what will be missing from society. I'm really curious as to what people think a world without SAHM's orWOHM's would look like.

If all the moms who SAH went to work then the library would move story hour to the evening and summer vacation bible school would be held in the evenings so that all kids can attend and not just the kids of SAHM's. Banks would likely shift their hours to later in the day and you'd see more 24 hour stores. I think there would be more home cooking style restaurants too. I think day care centers would improve because of increased demand.

If all moms who WOH suddenly SAH, you'd see fewer service industries around because moms could do things themselves instead of paying for them. The nursing shortage would be more of a shortage. We'd probably have a shortage of teachers too. There'd be fewer government services because there'd be less tax dollars to pay for them. I can't think of anything else right now.

Pages

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-20-2006
Mon, 10-23-2006 - 12:02pm
You make a good point. I beleive there are many spouses who do stay for fear that they would not be able to support themselves and thier children.
"The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift." ~Albert Einstein
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-12-2003
Mon, 10-23-2006 - 12:03pm
ROFL.... No, not at all. They didn't particularly like eachother very much, but they certainly didn't powertrip over money.
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-14-2006
Mon, 10-23-2006 - 12:07pm

I guess in our family, the marriages were all equal, regardless of working status or the amount of their paycheck. My grandparents had a model marriage, that lasted almost 60 years before he died. My mother stayed at home for 10 years before going back to work as a secretary. Even though they did divorce when i was 13, it was *Very* amicable and i know dad never thought less of her for not working when she did, or making less than him.

I could go on to describe my aunt and uncle and other family members too.

Maybe that is why my husband and I have an equal marriage.

A person's opinion should not be directly proportional to the percentage of pay they bring into the household.

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-12-2003
Mon, 10-23-2006 - 12:08pm
Wait a minute here.. because you know shallow people, she's naive?
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 10-23-2006 - 12:10pm
Yes, I think the view of what marriage is and is not can run in families.

<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> 

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 10-23-2006 - 12:11pm
Is her viewpoint or mine the realistic one?

<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> 

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-12-2003
Mon, 10-23-2006 - 12:12pm
Aren't you more impressed with someone who does something out of inner motivation, rather than doing it because they will get in trouble if they don't?
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-18-2004
Mon, 10-23-2006 - 12:14pm

I wish I had time to play today. The funny thing is that here, even when I'm making 100% of the money, I don't get any more say LOL.

It just doesn't happen. DH doesn't have the "do what I'm told gene" even if sometimes I really wish he did. Of course, that's largely why we still respect each other.

I do believe there are one way (i.e. DC) relationships built on gender or earning power, but I think most are both way (i.e. AC) depending on who cares more, who knows more, etc.

I don't think there's anything WRONG per se with either "model". I have some girlfriends very happily married to guys who do all the heavy lifting, and they are happy to let them make all the decisions. One in particular, had a very hard and bad life growing up and is so grateful to have to not deal with work. She developed health issues and nearly died in her 30s, too. It works for them.

There's nothing wrong with that. It just would be wrong for ME. Takes all types I guess. And I have to say, I rarely like the men in those kinds of relationships :)

Mondo

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-12-2003
Mon, 10-23-2006 - 12:15pm
Wait, you think that SAHMs are lazy? (Taking the "lazy route"?) Tell us how you really feel!
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-01-2003
Mon, 10-23-2006 - 12:17pm

i'm not overly clear on what you're asking here...but i would think (if i have the questions correct) that parents begin instilling good age appropriate work ethic as soon as the child is old enough to recieive the lessons (mobilty helps) and by the time the kid gets into school, their school work plus lessons reinforced at home (chores, perhaps allowances or small jobs depending on age) would help round out the notion of a good work ethic.

by the time they are in highschool the child should have a solid foundation WRT work and work ethic, and can continue their volunteer work, and they can get their own job, when its legal for them to do so. of course, also mainting grades and other obligations like school, church, and community functions will again, reinforce the lessons about work ethics.

is that what you're asking?

Pages