Comment by Terr_
7 hours ago
> with both parts of a marriage need to have jobs
I have a pet theory that this is a significant factor in why people are moving to cities: Families with two earners need a single shared location that has enough variety/density of jobs that both can work.
In contrast, a single breadwinner makes it easier to stay in a specialized company-town or to move.
It’s responsible got the deterioration of community in America overall. On the face of it a household has to spend twice as much time with adults at work so there is less time to socialize and connect. But it also means that mothers are less likely to have community and to have their children play together. Children aren’t as safe outside because homes are empty all day. Having a child cuts you off from many friends (ask any new parent) because the social net is not as strong. Even if you have friends with children, the mother is back at work after 6-12 months, so she can’t help you she is busy working to pay for her own child care.
It’s a common pattern in the US that we find a way to monetize normal human interaction. No hitchhiking, no free community gathering, no neighbors, no autonomy to children, no intergenrational housing.
It’s like we cannot fathom having a responsibility that doesn’t involve getting paid. This is good for the GDP though!