The Motherhood Manifestoby Joan Blades and Kristen Rowe Finkbeiner
The writers of this book put forth some solid points about what our society needs to do in order to make motherhood a more viable option. The book is straightforward, a bit repetitive, and could be read by a woman with a baby screaming in her ear. Ultimately, I was disappointed by the book because it didn't present any points of action--a lot of WHATS but no HOWS.
Her points are that families need universal healthcare, excellent and accessible childcare, flexible work schedules, fair and realistic wages, family leaves that don't punish workers, and quality after-school programs. Duh, duh, duh, duh, and duh. Oh, and duh.
Yes, these are all very good ideas, but she never gets into how to accomplish these changes. She simply says, Get in touch with your legislator and convince him or her that these are important issues to support. So, I guess it's all who screams loudest, right? Global warming, immigration, healthcare reform...pick your sign and get marching.
Yes, these are all very good ideas, but she never gets into how to accomplish these changes. She simply says, Get in touch with your legislator and convince him or her that these are important issues to support. So, I guess it's all who screams loudest, right? Global warming, immigration, healthcare reform...pick your sign and get marching.
The author makes one really good assertion: women overall get paid less than men, and are paid less even when you control for maternity leave and child-related absences. Employers pay women less IN ANTICIPATION of women having babies and taking time off. And then they don't promote them when they in time do take their federally guaranteed leave. Double-ding. So, I guess this book is a rally cry rather than a systematic set of solutions.
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