I’m knee deep in summer camp nonsense right now, so I must be a neglectful blogger today. I do have one post in me…

Earlier in the week, we discussed the differing issues and needs that face women from different income groups. I think that the costs and adequacy of childcare is one of the top issues facing women of middle income and below. It’s an issue that deserves a lot more attention. There are plenty of other issues, but childcare should be on the list.

So, what’s a big issue facing women with less financial constraints? Certainly, they face sexism and other obstacles as they compete for positions at the top of their firms. That’s a biggie.

Another issue that I hear batted around at PTA meetings and book clubs is the fact that these women often have a hundred percent of the childcare responsibilities, because their husband work 80+ hours. The dads show up for a soccer game on the weekends, but that’s about it. The kids interact with their dads for two or three hours a week. Even if the women work full-time, they are still responsible for managing the nanny and picking up the take out meals for dinner. I’m not sure if this should be a feminist issue or if there is a policy remedy. I’m just pointing out that this is a common complaint.

I follow the social conservative research on the impact of divorce and single motherhood on children. They often point out the devastating statistics in terms of education and long-term development. These UMC women, like the single mothers in these reports, are also raising their children without the support of a husband. But the kids of the wealthy, absentee dad families have a much better outcome than lower income, single mothers. So, are those studies missing the point?