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Moms more likely to get laid off
Filed under: Work Life, Single Parenting
We all know the economy is bad these days -- have you filled up your car lately? bought milk? checked the stock market? For many families, the one thing standing between them and financial stress is Mom's job. Except that in an economic downturn, women's jobs may be at particular risk, according to a government study released this week.
So don't count on Mom to pay for your gas.
Wives are providing up to thirty percent of household income, the study states, which is a big number, even in a house with two wage earners. In addition, nearly one quarter of kids in this country are being raised by single mothers, which leaves them particularly at risk should Mom lose her job.
Why are women more likely to lose their jobs than men? The study blames this partly on the fact that since the last recession, in 2001, women haven't really found a foothold in the job market again, with fewer women working now than seven years ago. Women are also statistically more likely to lose manufacturing jobs than are their male coworkers. It's possible that this is due to the fact that women, particularly women with kids, often opt for flexible or part-time work schedules, which are typically the first to go in times of economic belt tightening. Or maybe it's just that women are easier to fire.
Anecdotally, I am hearing stories of families who have decided that Mom's job costs too much -- that transportation and day care and other related expenses are outweighing whatever paycheck comes home. Of course, those are moms who are quitting, not getting laid off. Either way, though, it seems that women's jobs are more expendable than men's.
So don't count on Mom to pay for your gas.
Wives are providing up to thirty percent of household income, the study states, which is a big number, even in a house with two wage earners. In addition, nearly one quarter of kids in this country are being raised by single mothers, which leaves them particularly at risk should Mom lose her job.
Why are women more likely to lose their jobs than men? The study blames this partly on the fact that since the last recession, in 2001, women haven't really found a foothold in the job market again, with fewer women working now than seven years ago. Women are also statistically more likely to lose manufacturing jobs than are their male coworkers. It's possible that this is due to the fact that women, particularly women with kids, often opt for flexible or part-time work schedules, which are typically the first to go in times of economic belt tightening. Or maybe it's just that women are easier to fire.
Anecdotally, I am hearing stories of families who have decided that Mom's job costs too much -- that transportation and day care and other related expenses are outweighing whatever paycheck comes home. Of course, those are moms who are quitting, not getting laid off. Either way, though, it seems that women's jobs are more expendable than men's.
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ReaderComments (Page 1 of 1)
7-27-2008 @ 5:34PM
Ku said...That's because compassion died with chivalry when our country when into the crapper via our economy.
I'm sorry but how could most justify firing a mother with children, most especially a single mother. I know it absolutely had to be done then yes but seriously... they just look for an excuse to fire these women so they can fill up their slots with more 'reliable' people.
Reply
8-06-2008 @ 12:05AM
Crystal said...It has nothing to do with chivalry Children should not be given ANY consideration during hiring, firing or lay-offs. Childless couples and people do not have money fairies filling their bank accounts and should in no way be treated as less deserving of a paycheck because of personal, non-business related, choices.
Reply
8-06-2008 @ 8:03PM
cindyr said...I keep getting laid off. First it was from toys r us. Then not long ago, Petco decided I did not align the shelves properly so they laid me off. Well, today because I asked to be given later hours, Kohl's gave me the "you are not doing one job fast enough", which I do not think is true, I have only been there two days and am still in training. They also said because of the later hours I will have to work in a different area if I do come back. All I know is that this would not have happened if I had not asked for the later hours, but my other job pays a lot more than they do! What do you think?
Reply