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: 03-28-2003
Mon, 10-23-2006 - 2:50pm

Nice dodge.

If that is true, I get bonus points for having four children instead of two.

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-15-2006
Mon, 10-23-2006 - 2:53pm
I, otoh, would seek out a physician who was able to provide coverage for his appointments (another doctor) while s/he stayed home with their sick child. I'd find it rather hypocritical and disturbing to have a physician that appeared to care more for my sick child than his own. I wouldn't expect my pediatrician to cancel appointments, but I'd expect him to substitute another doctor. Much like teachers.
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-15-2006
Mon, 10-23-2006 - 2:55pm
So, he didn't exert power or control over you because of your drop in income. You CHOSE not to spend as much. That isn't the money talking; that's you talking. As I said before, money matters if you let it. You obviously let it.
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-15-2006
Mon, 10-23-2006 - 2:56pm
I think the SAHMs in your area need to 1) grow some balls and learn to say no, 2) ask for some reciprocation, 3) quit beotching or 4) all of the above.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 10-23-2006 - 2:57pm
Just can't relate to neither partner caring, sorry, shortcoming on my part.

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

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 10-23-2006 - 3:00pm
What on earth would you do that *had* to be done for 26 extra hours a week?

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

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 10-23-2006 - 3:02pm
I want doctors who put their patients' appointments ahead of their desire to be the one physically present with a sick child.

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

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 10-23-2006 - 3:03pm

To answer your question seriously, nothing's changed in my personal life or my personal opinion. I'm frankly thrilled that I won't have the burden of elder care, but that's just me being selfish.

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

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 10-23-2006 - 3:05pm
Presumably the physician's child has another parent or even another qualified caregiver, whereas I on the other hand want the particular pediatrician with whom I made the appointment.

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

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 10-23-2006 - 3:07pm
It would have been kinda ballsy to expend discretionary income on myself in that situation, wouldn't it? If the shoe had been on the other foot, I would have expected my DH to immediately stop spending on everything for himself except necessities and interview/job related expenses.

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

Pages