I've thought a lot about the issues that were discussed in small groups the last few minutes of class on wednesday (and during class) concerning the cost of rearing a child and the argument that the costs are private and the gains are public (of successfully raising a child) I don't know how to fix/change/influence this, however, Lucas had an interesting idea that I would like to explore a little more in this blog.
It is based on social security benefits, I'm acknowledging right now that there is a lot that I don't know/understand about social security...mostly because I have never expected it to stick around long enough to influence me on the other end. Okay so the dilemma is that a woman who chooses to stay at home and raise children IS eligible for a certain percentage of what her husbands social security benefit would be... So, IF her husband has a decent job, anf IF they are married for at least 10 years, and IF she is unemployed for 7 years (I think thats right) then she is eligible for the pecentage. The problem here is that being a mom (i.e. homemaker or whatever you want to call it) is labour! It's just not paid, so perfect example of private cost (her loss of income) and public gain (all the kids who are raised to be industrious taxpayers). Not being a policy guru or a economics whiz I have no great solutions only frustrations and questions about a topic that I think is important.
Especially in light of the lady who just had 8 babies (on top of the 6 that she had) is there a way to support moms who are doing unpaid labor without encouraging unemployment and dependency on a government system? I haven't read anything yet that was worth posting, so I'll keep reading and add it later if I find anything helpful or profound. In the mean time I always welcome your thoughts and or opinions.
It is based on social security benefits, I'm acknowledging right now that there is a lot that I don't know/understand about social security...mostly because I have never expected it to stick around long enough to influence me on the other end. Okay so the dilemma is that a woman who chooses to stay at home and raise children IS eligible for a certain percentage of what her husbands social security benefit would be... So, IF her husband has a decent job, anf IF they are married for at least 10 years, and IF she is unemployed for 7 years (I think thats right) then she is eligible for the pecentage. The problem here is that being a mom (i.e. homemaker or whatever you want to call it) is labour! It's just not paid, so perfect example of private cost (her loss of income) and public gain (all the kids who are raised to be industrious taxpayers). Not being a policy guru or a economics whiz I have no great solutions only frustrations and questions about a topic that I think is important.
Especially in light of the lady who just had 8 babies (on top of the 6 that she had) is there a way to support moms who are doing unpaid labor without encouraging unemployment and dependency on a government system? I haven't read anything yet that was worth posting, so I'll keep reading and add it later if I find anything helpful or profound. In the mean time I always welcome your thoughts and or opinions.
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