The States of Child Care: The Perspective of Working Women

• In Event: Poster Session 8
  In Poster Session: Issues in Early Childhood

Abstract

As the US moves into the 21st century, the need for a more systematic approach to child care is imperative to support families and prepare children for kindergarten. For decades, US child care has suffered from societal ambivalence about maternal employment and non-maternal care, a lack of common language and purpose, and a workforce beset by low expectations and low pay. Using focus groups, this paper examines the work-related thoughts, feelings, and experiences of employed women who have a relationship with child care, as consumers or providers. My goal is to bring discussions about maternal employment and child care into the 21st century and to argue that the US needs to resolve its ambivalence concerning maternal employment and child care.

Author

• Sara Gable, University of Missouri