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: 03-27-2000
Mon, 10-23-2006 - 4:55pm
Gosh, I'm so very thankful that in my neighborhood, work status doesn't matter when it comes to being a village. We help each other out simply because we value our friendships and the fact that helping others in a time of need is the right thing to do.
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-12-2004
Mon, 10-23-2006 - 4:56pm

Very well said.

Robin

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2000
Mon, 10-23-2006 - 4:57pm
The dynamic of my marriage has not changed at all WRT to decision-making, etc since I became a SAHM. Maybe it is because my dh respects me AS A PERSON, not the value of the paycheck I am or am not earning.
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-12-2004
Mon, 10-23-2006 - 4:58pm

Well said.

Robin

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2000
Mon, 10-23-2006 - 5:02pm
While I don't agree with the OP, I have watched the children of my WOHPs on a few occasions while a SAHM. In fact, just today, I agreed to watch all three of my dual WOH neighbor's children on a Sunday in November b/c the father is leaving on a business trip and the mother won't be back from hers yet. I'm going to have SIX kids that day, and my dh is also going to be out of town. I think I must be insane, but the fact is, I'm helping them b/c they are my neighbors/friends, and I know they would do the same for me if I was in a jam.
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-28-2006
Mon, 10-23-2006 - 5:19pm

Good for you, didn't say you couldn't do it while working full time.

I was answering the question about what my contribution to society is.

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-30-2006
Mon, 10-23-2006 - 5:19pm
Thanks!

Sabina


Sabina

Oh, life is a glorious cycle of song,

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2000
Mon, 10-23-2006 - 5:28pm

It wouldn't necessarily be more lazy. I know many SAHMS who spend their "free" time doing volunteer work, either for the community or for their children's schools.

I don't have any more respect for a WOHM who has school-age kids and chooses to work than I do for a SAHM who has school age kids and chooses to volunteer during the day.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2000
Mon, 10-23-2006 - 5:35pm
Why wouldn't you volunteer?
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2000
Mon, 10-23-2006 - 5:42pm
I can't imagine switching doctors simply b/c mine had a family emergency, even if it is a "routine" childhood illness. Not that I would even know, but I guess that is where we differ. I'd actually probably respect the parent for needing or wanting to be with their sick child, even if it meant canceling a day of appts.

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