It is well documented that birthrates fall as women gain more economic opportunity, sexual health access, and general freedom in society. In countries like France, generous family support policies are passed to account for birthrate declines and preserve women’s economic autonomy while allowing for family planning. In the United States, we have had a much sadder story for women in the workforce:
So what can be done? Well we can begin to lower the hurdles to choosing work when also starting a family. This could mean a number of different policies:
· Subsidized care work systems (public option possible as well)
· Federal laws for paid leave and protection after giving birth
· Universal pre-school
· Family allowances
· Additional policy measures to decrease gender-based earning differences
· And so on,
These suggestions have a wide variation in taxpayer costs, so some are more politically viable than others, but the cases for them are equally strong. Not surprisingly, Pew shows the large sacrifice women make for unpaid care labor. This use of mental, emotional, and physical resources hinders economic autonomy. Policy should focus on ensuring that this choice is a lifestyle preference and not a forced hand from rising care work costs or social expectations.
In 2016, I hope families return to the forefront of US politics. The US economy depends on a young, skilled workforce to continue as a world leader. The non-commitment to women in the workforce is unacceptable moving forward, and it’s time to step up.