Things That Are Just Wrong

I read an article a few days ago that I’ve been mulling over and trying to figure out how to respond to ever since.

It was by Susan Estrich, and the bulk of my musing went up on the other blogs this evening.

In a nutshell, Department of Labor statistics indicate that women with college educations still earn less than similarly educated men (just under 75 cents to their dollar), but that we are actually losing ground, particularly as we become more and more senior.

As a parent thinking about college, or even just day care for next year, it freaks me out. Even as part of a 2 income family, we pretty much cannot keep up with the financial advantages that a straight 2 income family can provide.

Of course every family makes it’s own choices, and we are far from having Noah need to get a job to help keep a roof over our heads or groceries on the table. We are, in fact, incredibly lucky.

But it still seems so unfair and frustrating.

And I have no idea what to do about it.

2 Responses to “ Things That Are Just Wrong ”

Comments:

Beth Anne says:
January 9th, 2007 at 10:39 am

De-Lurking to comment on Women in the workforce. I just got laid off for the second time since my 9 month old was born (is that a record?) and I can’t help but be scared that I will never have a solid job again. My husband bypassed by salary very quickly and I really feel like I have fallen behind. He can’t support us on his own (we live in South Florida and its very expensive) and it worries me that I might have to continue taking paycuts to get a job. I have a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and I never thought I would be in this situation. Especially after I became a mother. The bonus side - I get to spend more time with my son while I’m looking. He is always my brightside to everything!

Cynthia Samuels says:
January 10th, 2007 at 9:36 am

I remember wearing 59% buttons at political conventions in the 80s. So I know there’s been progress. But the aging thing is going to get ugly. Boomers have been scapegoats of the right wing echo chamber for ages and that certainly doesn’t help. We need to get busy.
One way to do that is to visit both Been There, Cooper Munro’s site where she writes often about this and Moms Rising, of whom she is a valued member. There are ideas, answers and great rhetoric there.