Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America

Given the historical patterns of childcare and the current trends in child custody in divorce cases, would these challenges fall more heavily upon low wage women?

Unless you count Budgie, Ehrenreich had no real family responsibility during her
experiment. How would her routine have changed if she were responsible for children? How
would her economic circumstances have changed? Given the historical patterns of
childcare and the current trends in child custody in divorce cases, would these
challenges fall more heavily upon low wage women?

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Last updated by jill d #170087
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Historically, childcare was provided by a member of the family, generally the mother, who stayed home to raise her children and care for the family, while her husband provided financially. Having children would have placed the role of provider and caregiver on the author, she would also have required larger living quarters and increased expenses. Child custody is generally, but not always, awarded to the mother, who would be responsible for acquiring childcare, transportation, and taking care of medical bills. For many women, there is no father in the picture.

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Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America