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From: crs@lanl.ARPA
Newsgroups: net.women
Subject: Re: Men and Parenting
Message-ID: <18771@lanl.ARPA>
Date: Mon, 31-Dec-84 10:26:22 EST
Article-I.D.: lanl.18771
Posted: Mon Dec 31 10:26:22 1984
Date-Received: Tue, 1-Jan-85 06:04:40 EST
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> Marsha Fanshier posted an interesting article asking fathers (present or
> near-future) about their willingness to assist in raising their children.
> No, I myself am nowhere near that, but I thought I'd report on a couple I
> know who have undergone numerous swaps in the roles of house-spouse and
> breadwinner (partially because of the availability or unavailability of
> appropriate jobs, but partially because both parties are really wonderful
> people -- the husband is not a vocal feminist, just humble enough to do
> his share of the loving).  For at least two years after their son was born,
> the mother was working and the father stayed at home, raised the kid, and
> took care of the house.  During the time surrounding their daughter's birth,
> however, the husband had a job, so the wife stayed at home.  Their son, now
> 3-1/2, is a very lovable kid, having been well loved; and the 6-month-old
> daughter will undoubtedly also turn out that way.  This is one case where both
> parents are interested in the children, and it is obviously vastly to the
> children's benefit.
> 
> -- 
> -- Jeff Sargent
> {decvax|harpo|ihnp4|inuxc|ucbvax}!pur-ee!pucc-h:aeq
> Jesus has creched the devil's system.

This sounds great.  Really; no sarcasm intended.

BUT:  I wonder how many families could actually *afford* this
luxury (yes luxury -- I would love to be able to spend more time
with my children).  In how many families are both parents able to
earn (approximately) equal salaries?  Think about all of the
families in the [world country ...] -- Even if it were not for
sex discrimination, of all those families how many are so symmetrical
from the viewpoint of earnings that this would be possible?
Maybe in a few generations (if everything goes well) but *now*?
No way!

As with many utopian suggestions, many very real, practical
problems stand in the way.

Charlie