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.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 11-12-2003
Mon, 10-23-2006 - 12:28pm
Ok, I get it... we ran out of coffee this morning, so that could be the problem. :) That said, do you think that your nanny's job is leisurely?
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 10-23-2006 - 12:28pm
Yes.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 10-23-2006 - 12:31pm

I'm sure you're right, but I don't know a single marriage that I'm familiar enough to comment on that doesn't have at least some issues that involve a power struggle.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 10-23-2006 - 12:32pm

"For most people, having 2 spouses compete for power in a relationship just spells disaster, in my opinion."


So how do you avoid it?

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 10-23-2006 - 12:35pm

If I was AH, I definitely wouldn't have the nanny and probably not the housekeeper.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 11-12-2003
Mon, 10-23-2006 - 12:36pm
I'll answer this one... I don't think there's any difference at all. Personally, I wasn't saying that a SAHM models a work ethic *better*... I just don't think that going to work necessarily models a work ethic, and that things done at home are more likely to model it. Kbmamm said that only WOHPs model a work ethic, period.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 10-23-2006 - 12:38pm

Yes, I do.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 05-01-2003
Mon, 10-23-2006 - 12:40pm

>>"Is there that big a difference in modeling a work ethic to an elementary school aged child who's in school and thus away from parents, whether those parents are WOH or WAH or SAH, 30 hours a week?"<<

i actually think that if a parent puts the effort into it, there is no difference between WOHP's and SAHP's WRT teaching work ethics. by the time the child is in elementary school, they should already have the beginings of a solid work ethic, so the outside influences will help reinforce what is being taught at home.

my whole deal with this issue is when someone tells me i can't model a good work ethic (not you, someone else) using chores and household responsabilities, when that is in fact, how just about every parent starts teaching about work ethics. you can't teach a young child about paychecks being a work ethic when money and bills and ownership isn't a concept they understand...once the kids get older and begin to understand these concepts, then by all means start using paying jobs as an example too!

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-12-2003
Mon, 10-23-2006 - 12:41pm
I've never stated that I've never seen a marriage like that. I just wouldn't call it normal or good. Most of my friends who have marriages like that, I feel sorry for.
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-01-2003
Mon, 10-23-2006 - 12:42pm

Sadly, in my family we don't necessarily take care of one another, so that's not a viable option for me <<

well, that could be sad, or it could be a good thing. i know i wouldn't want my inlaws taking care of me should i need them to. i'd have to check my food for poison!

i've had really bad experiences with nursing and convelescent homes...so i am very much opposed to using them. i wouldn't dare put my parents in one. i might put my older brother in one though ;)

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