As relationship scientists, we hear a lot of ideas and opinions about the inner-workings of relationships and the people that comprise them. Perhaps some of the more interesting “ideas” (if you can call them that) come from folks whose antiquted notions about the roles of men and women continue to astonish even the likes of Fred Flintstone. Here’s the Fox News team making it clear that the continued strides women have made in the realm of economic opportunities spells certain doom for humanity….
Yes, they really said that.
Read our posts on female breadwinners here and here.
And watch Megyn Kelly take the misogynists to task here…during which time they proceed to denegrate women a few dozen more times.
anonymous says
the issue may not necessarily be the 'future of the child' of working parents….but I have worked for many families, looking after children full-time while the parents are at work, and the effect that it has on the kids emotionally is heartbreaking. I can't say if it will project onto their future relationships and sociability–though typically we are a product of our breeding in that regard–but I understand how they are perceiving a negative effect on the family, traditional family values, etc. I agree that the way they explain it sounds bad. At first I was a little taken aback. After reflecting, however, I believe it is true that if both parents are working full-time, while the children are still really young, then it affects the child emotionally…at least with regards to his relationship with his parents and his impression of his own self-worth.
If, for example, the father stays home, I think that should suit as a substitute for the traditional female caregiver. Fathers can be just as nurturing as mothers. The problem arises when the parents' responsibilities are assumed by a third party (eg. a nanny), which hinders the child's relationship with his own parents, and will likely result in emotional and/or attitude issues in the future. Kids hold on to feelings of rejection, regardless of their age. A 3-yr old will interpret "No, honey, I can't play right now" or "Mummy has to work, go play somewhere else" as personal rejection.