..........Mens incomes lowered so they could no longer support a family without the income of their wives. It took mothers out of the homes where they were very valueable to the family structure.
From the beginning of time, men have left their families at home to be hunters/fishers, and women have been gatherers working in the fields. This is where the old expression "It takes a village to raise a child." Usually the children would be left with a responsible adult (think village Aunty) so mom and dad could do their thing. No one ever thought "Oh those poor children" --it was merely a fact of life.
"Modernization" changed that--when men started believing that anything more strenuous than darning a sock would cause a woman to faint dead away. Thanks in no small part, I'm sure, to that sexist Pig Paul's writing where he calls women the 'weaker vessel.'
It is not realistic to believe that every family should have one parent at home full time, nor is it realistic to make a judgement call and say our society is going downhill because mom is not at home full time. Bull Shit.
If you want to stay home, and you can afford to, knock yourself out. But don't delude yourselves into thinking that makes you a better parent or spouse.
My family could more than get by on what my husband earns. However we enjoy the standard of life provided by two good incomes. This allows for more opportunities for the children as well.
Everyone's family moves to a different rhythm, whatever works for yours.
Lisa
