Has women in the work force helped or hurt the family?

[Serap]

No, the Church stays the same, it is society that moves farther and farther away from Christ’s teaching through the Magisterium.

If the Church responded to society’s changes, we’d have women priests, gay priests, contraception would be just fine and no conflict with abortion either.

yeah, I agree with you here. I don’t agree that the church has to get with the times either.

 

[Serap]

I didn’t say the Church should change. I said the Church should respond to change in society, meaning addressing issues that arise as a result of society’s change.

For instance, birth control. The Church needs to respond and address this issue, because it is prevalent. Not change.

Sorry if that wasn’t clear.

Even Pope JP II said that birth control was intrinsically evil. I kinda draw the line here hon. You are opening up a HUGE can of worms here.

 

[Serap]

I am an accountant and I can tell you that starting out we don’t make all that much money. We make more than minimum wage for sure but it takes time to move up. Also for those jobs that don’t require high qualifications you also have to take in to consideration; does the unemployed want it or did he/she make the right impression when interviewing. A job does not belong to anyone until they are hired and a boss will (or should) always hire the best person for the job.

 

[Katie966]

Even Pope JP II said that birth control was intrinsically evil. I kinda draw the line here hon. You are opening up a HUGE can of worms here.

I guess I’m not being clear enough. All I am saying is that certain things arise as a result of society’s changing. The prevalence of contraception is one of them. (Unfortunately.)

When Pius XII was around, the situation was not the same. Therefore, he had no need to address the issue in the same way, or to the same extent. Nowadays, there is much more of a need. Thus, JP II responded to this societal issue and addressed it according to the Church’s teaching.

All I’m saying is that this is what papal encyclicals are for- because situations arise in society that no one can anticipate in the future, and the Church needs to address situations that people find themselves in so that we know how to act as good Catholics.

I didn’t think I said anything controversial. I was never trying to imply that the Church itself should change.

 

[TheRealJuliane]

I didn’t say the Church should change. I said the Church should respond to change in society, meaning addressing issues that arise as a result of society’s change.

For instance, birth control. The Church needs to respond and address this issue, because it is prevalent. Not change.

Sorry if that wasn’t clear.

The Church HAS addressed the issue of birth control. See Theology of the Body. See everything every Pope has written about contraception and how wrong it is. The Church is not lacking in teaching, it’s that people are ignoring the teaching.

 

[The_Curt_Jester]

Let me make a guess that many people posting here live in large cities where everything likely costs much more (one reason I wouldn’t be caught dead living in a major city!). I don’t, though it’s certainly not a farm area. I know many, many people who only have one parent supporting the family. These people quite often have large families with one having eleven children. Some of them seem to live quite nicely, others are struggling to make do, but they get by with just the one working parent.

Out of all those families I do know, the one that has the nicest (and largest) house in the nicest neighborhood (that I have seen) is the accountant’s family. Not to say all of them make a lot, but this one certainly wasn’t a pauper.

And I’ll reiterate what I pretty much say on each post - I never state that women can’t work if not necessary. They can. I just believe that it’s a better situation that they don’t if they don’t have to. That so many are forced into a work environment is a major problem with our society and that’s going to take a long time to change, if it ever does.

 

[Kat127]

I’ve stayed out of this debate because I think it is pointless. Pretty much everyone agrees that every family is different and there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution.

The “Mommy Wars” are vicious enough without those of us who are not Moms giving our two cents.

Raising children and providing for family is important to every adult I have ever had a conversation about on this topic. 90% of us try to do our best to provide for our families. None of us have had the good fortune to never make a mistake.

Given what a hot-button issue this is and that there is no general right answer- why not just choose to live and let live?

P.S. There are moms, working and non-working, on this forum and some of them take your comments rather seriously. Those of us who have to reassure our sobbing friend that her children aren’t going to grow up resenting her would kindly ask you to keep those moms in mind when you make a post.

 

[Katie966]

The Church HAS addressed the issue of birth control. See Theology of the Body. See everything every Pope has written about contraception and how wrong it is. The Church is not lacking in teaching, it’s that people are ignoring the teaching.

I never said the Church hadn’t responded.

My point was that I trust the Church to respond to current situations we need guidance with. I never even insinuated that the Church should change or was somehow not responding to “the times”.

 

[Serap]

Let me make a guess that many people posting here live in large cities where everything likely costs much more (one reason I wouldn’t be caught dead living in a major city!). I don’t, though it’s certainly not a farm area. I know many, many people who only have one parent supporting the family. These people quite often have large families with one having eleven children. Some of them seem to live quite nicely, others are struggling to make do, but they get by with just the one working parent.

Out of all those families I do know, the one that has the nicest (and largest) house in the nicest neighborhood (that I have seen) is the accountant’s family. Not to say all of them make a lot, but this one certainly wasn’t a pauper.

And I’ll reiterate what I pretty much say on each post - I never state that women can’t work if not necessary. They can. I just believe that it’s a better situation that they don’t if they don’t have to. That so many are forced into a work environment is a major problem with our society and that’s going to take a long time to change, if it ever does.

 

[Serap]

I’ve stayed out of this debate because I think it is pointless. Pretty much everyone agrees that every family is different and there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution.

The “Mommy Wars” are vicious enough without those of us who are not Moms giving our two cents.

Raising children and providing for family is important to every adult I have ever had a conversation about on this topic. 90% of us try to do our best to provide for our families. None of us have had the good fortune to never make a mistake.

Given what a hot-button issue this is and that there is no general right answer- why not just choose to live and let live?

P.S. There are moms, working and non-working, on this forum and some of them take your comments rather seriously. Those of us who have to reassure our sobbing friend that her children aren’t going to grow up resenting her would kindly ask you to keep those moms in mind when you make a post.

Interesting though

 

[Serap]

I never said the Church hadn’t responded.

My point was that I trust the Church to respond to current situations we need guidance with. I never even insinuated that the Church should change or was somehow not responding to “the times”.

Bad Katie!!! :tsktsk:

 

[TheRealJuliane]

Those of us who have to reassure our sobbing friend that her children aren’t going to grow up resenting her would kindly ask you to keep those moms in mind when you make a post.

Tell your friend that no matter what choice she makes, her kids will STILL resent her when they are teens!!!

Seriously.

If she’s home, they’ll say she stifled their freedom, that she smothered them. If she works, they’ll say she was never there for them. Moms can’t win!!!

Just tell her to start preparing her droll responses while the kids are small. “Well, you drew the short straw when it comes to moms, didn’t you? Sorry about that. I’ll pay for your first 5 years of therapy.”

 

[bhall0689]

Granted, women working does add a few jobs to society, such as more openings for babysitters and a need for more restaurant workers, however, those jobs are not jobs that are productive to a society - they are just more service jobs.

I’ve stayed out of this debate, but I’ll put my two cents in as a young, educated woman about to graduate from a Catholic university in May. My parents raised me to have dreams and ambitions. I’ve worked my entire life to achieve good grades so that I can do something with my life. Early marriage and motherhood does not appeal to me. I am so grateful that I live in a society that allows me the opportunity to become whatever I want.

Some here have even had the gall to imply that women should not obtain a college degree because she should not be working when she has a family, anyways.

Surely what Jester said above is not implying that the only jobs women are suited to are within the service industry? If you meant it that way, I can assure you that you are grossly mistaken. Many people here have expressed how sick they are of a culture that does not revere motherhood. Well, I’m sick of living in a culture that makes women feel guilty for perusing goals outside of a home and family life. It’s not me, it’s not what I want, and it’s not what I’m intended for.

I’m out. I’ll see you guys at work. :egyptian:

 

[Katie966]

I’ve stayed out of this debate, but I’ll put my two cents in as a young, educated woman about to graduate from a Catholic university in May. My parents raised me to have dreams and ambitions. I’ve worked my entire life to achieve good grades so that I can do something with my life. Early marriage and motherhood does not appeal to me. I am so grateful that I live in a society that allows me the opportunity to become whatever I want.

Some here have even had the gall to imply that women should not obtain a college degree because she should not be working when she has a family, anyways.

Surely what Jester said above is not implying that the only jobs women are suited to are within the service industry? If you meant it that way, I can assure you that you are grossly mistaken. Many people here have expressed how sick they are of a culture that does not revere motherhood. Well, I’m sick of living in a culture that makes women feel guilty for perusing goals outside of a home and family life. It’s not me, it’s not what I want, and it’s not what I’m intended for.

I’m out. I’ll see you guys at work. :egyptian:

Not that I’m generally in agreement with all of what Jester has said, but I think the point was that when both parents work, there is a need for more babysitters, because someone has to watch the kids, and restaurant workers because if both parents work, there is less time to prepare meals.

I could be mistaken, but that’s the impression I got from the comment.

I’m with you, though, about being grateful for the opportunities I’ve had. I can’t imagine never having gone to college- that wouldn’t have been right for me.

 

[The_Curt_Jester]

I’ve stayed out of this debate, but I’ll put my two cents in as a young, educated woman about to graduate from a Catholic university in May. My parents raised me to have dreams and ambitions. I’ve worked my entire life to achieve good grades so that I can do something with my life. Early marriage and motherhood does not appeal to me. I am so grateful that I live in a society that allows me the opportunity to become whatever I want.

Some here have even had the gall to imply that women should not obtain a college degree because she should not be working when she has a family, anyways.

Surely what Jester said above is not implying that the only jobs women are suited to are within the service industry? If you meant it that way, I can assure you that you are grossly mistaken. Many people here have expressed how sick they are of a culture that does not revere motherhood. Well, I’m sick of living in a culture that makes women feel guilty for perusing goals outside of a home and family life. It’s not me, it’s not what I want, and it’s not what I’m intended for.

I’m out. I’ll see you guys at work. :egyptian:

Whoa! Clear misinterpretation here. I’m saying that women going to work opens up some new jobs because of a couple of reasons:

1. Children still need to be cared for. With so many mothers working jobs, childcare centers and individual babysitters have sprung up everywhere. These are jobs that would not be nearly as common if mothers did not go out to work. Is anyone going to deny this?
2. Both parents working also encourages fast meals, whether that means restaurants or something instant grabbed from the store. The increased use of restaurants means an increased need for workers in that particular type of job. Is anyone going to deny this?

And again, I don’t believe anyone ever said that a woman should not obtain a college degree. I said that personally I don’t see it as a necessity but should one wish to obtain one, I wasn’t going to say she couldn’t. Please, people, read a post in its entirety before commenting negatively on it, and don’t just pick out bits and pieces to nitpick. There have been too many times I’ve been accused of saying something that I didn’t.

 

[bhall0689]

Whoa! Clear misinterpretation here. I’m saying that women going to work opens up some new jobs because of a couple of reasons:

1. Children still need to be cared for. With so many mothers working jobs, childcare centers and individual babysitters have sprung up everywhere. These are jobs that would not be nearly as common if mothers did not go out to work. Is anyone going to deny this?
2. Both parents working also encourages fast meals, whether that means restaurants or something instant grabbed from the store. The increased use of restaurants means an increased need for workers in that particular type of job. Is anyone going to deny this?

And again, I don’t believe anyone ever said that a woman should not obtain a college degree. I said that personally I don’t see it as a necessity but should one wish to obtain one, I wasn’t going to say she couldn’t. Please, people, read a post in its entirety before commenting negatively on it, and don’t just pick out bits and pieces to nitpick. There have been too many times I’ve been accused of saying something that I didn’t - and specifically explained further in the same posts that people get riled over.

I’ve actually read ALL 32 pages of this thread, from start to finish! I’m incredibly interested in this topic, because if I were to have children one day, I would probably choose to continue some form of my career.

I guess I agree with your points, but I just don’t see how they’re applicable to the discussion.

Getting a college degree is DEFINITELY a necessity. Let’s say I graduated high school, and chose not to go to college because I wanted to get married and be a SAHM. All of the educated, aspirational men I graduated with left for college. Where am I supposed to even begin looking? Apart from that, IF a woman decides that she wants a professional career after high school (like me), it is nearly impossible to find a decent job without a degree, especially a job that expounds on one’s talents and passion.

 

[The_Curt_Jester]

I’ve actually read ALL 32 pages of this thread, from start to finish! I’m incredibly interested in this topic, because if I were to have children one day, I would probably choose to continue some form of my career.

I guess I agree with your points, but I just don’t see how they’re applicable to the discussion.

Getting a college degree is DEFINITELY a necessity. Let’s say I graduated high school, and chose not to go to college because I wanted to get married and be a SAHM. All of the educated, aspirational men I graduated with left for college. Where am I supposed to even begin looking? Apart from that, IF a woman decides that she wants a professional career after high school (like me), it is nearly impossible to find a decent job without a degree, especially a job that expounds on one’s talents and passion.

The points in the latter post? Not really on topic. People chose to pick out a few points in something I said so I chose to answer them, but they are really not too related to whether or not working women has adversely affected the family. I suppose someone could start a thread about going to college.

 

[trinichiqn]

Whoa! Clear misinterpretation here. I’m saying that women going to work opens up some new jobs because of a couple of reasons:

1. Children still need to be cared for. With so many mothers working jobs, childcare centers and individual babysitters have sprung up everywhere. These are jobs that would not be nearly as common if mothers did not go out to work. Is anyone going to deny this?

**2. Both parents working also encourages fast meals, whether that means restaurants or something instant grabbed from the store. The increased use of restaurants means an increased need for workers in that particular type of job. Is anyone going to deny this?
**
And again, I don’t believe anyone ever said that a woman should not obtain a college degree. I said that personally I don’t see it as a necessity but should one wish to obtain one, I wasn’t going to say she couldn’t. Please, people, read a post in its entirety before commenting negatively on it, and don’t just pick out bits and pieces to nitpick. There have been too many times I’ve been accused of saying something that I didn’t.

I have to disagree with point number 2 because although I am a working working I eat home cooked from scratch (except for maybe frozen veges) everyday except Saturday (a day I don’t work). I like to cook so it is something I enjoy doing daily. I don’t cook on Saturdays, a day I don’t work, just because. For those days that I actually don’t feel like cooking I have my own frozen meals that I make and keep on hand, as it is I have a casserole in the freezer that is coming to it’s expiration that I have to prepare by next week. I know I can’t be the only one.

 

[Serap]

I have to disagree with point number 2 because although I am a working working I eat home cooked from scratch (except for maybe frozen veges) everyday except Saturday (a day I don’t work). I like to cook so it is something I enjoy doing daily. I don’t cook on Saturdays, a day I don’t work, just because. For those days that I actually don’t feel like cooking I have my own frozen meals that I make and keep on hand, as it is I have a casserole in the freezer that is coming to it’s expiration that I have to prepare by next week. I know I can’t be the only one.

We don’t eat fastfood either. We have homecooked meals made by moi every evening as well.

 

[bhall0689]

Well, in response to the question, then, I think that it’s been positive for the family. The opportunity for women to work outside the home has allowed the daughters of this generation to grow up and fulfill their dreams. I’m so thankful that this is an opportunity for me.