Women form the backbone of America, juggling paid jobs, caregiving, and countless tasks that often go unnoticed. However, this role as the nation’s social safety net weighs heavily on us. According to the 2023 Stress in America survey by the American Psychological Association, many women experience stress and feel isolated. The findings reveal that women frequently express that they don’t feel understood and struggle to recover from stressors.
In contrast, other nations do not place this expectation solely on women. Denmark, Switzerland, and Sweden are highlighted in a 2023 study from the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace, and Security, which shows that these countries prioritize women's well-being, linking it directly to national prosperity, while the U.S. ranks a disappointing 37th.
A sociologist, Jessica Calarco, dedicates her research to exploring the dynamics that led to this situation in one of the wealthiest nations globally.
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In her recent book, Holding It Together: How Women Became America’s Safety Net, Calarco traces the origins of our “DIY society” back to the 1930s, following the New Deal, marking a shift in our perception and funding of the social safety net.
Calarco states, “Wealthy business leaders sought to convince Americans that a robust social safety net was unnecessary. They turned to Austrian economists who argued that without a net, people would make safer choices.”
Fast forward to today, and while other countries benefit from comprehensive government programs, women in the U.S. are expected to take on the role of caregivers for families and communities. They disproportionately occupy the lowest-paid jobs in essential fields like childcare, eldercare, and customer service, often leading to exploitation.
Calarco emphasizes that the obstacles we face stem from societal structures, not personal failures. She advocates for collective action to drive change. Voting for representatives who support policies such as paid family leave and affordable childcare is a crucial step.
“Redirecting our energy from self-judgment to collective action can be transformative,” she suggests. Online groups for mothers could serve as platforms for organizing, encouraging members to support candidates for local office.”
In Mailbag, we hear from a listener seeking guidance on emotional management at work and another curious about the advantages and disadvantages of pensions as she considers a new job opportunity.
