The Widening Gap

by Jody Heymann

This hard-hitting book draws on the first systematic national research on how the need to meet family obligations is affecting working Americans of all social classes and ethnic groups. What happens when kids get sick? When an elderly parent is hospitalized? How do poor families cope with work-family demands? Jody Heymann's research points to a widening gap between working families and the health and development of children. Outdated labor policy and practice must be brought into the twenty-first century, argues Heymann. To do less is to abandon the precepts of equal opportunity on which America is founded.

Genres: Social Issues, Nonfiction

272 pages, Paperback

First published November 7, 2000

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

According to a poll taken of readers of "Redbook" magazine, family comes first. However, those polled revealed that they felt that the American family is in crisis right now. Stress comes from all sides: work, school, other family members who might become ill, etc. This book, a brilliantly researched and argued treatise on childcare in the 21st century in America, shows unequivocally that Americans need to focus on this problem. I was disheartened to read of 11-year-olds called on to take care of younger siblings while Mom and Dad work. I sympathize with the parents who are struggling to find ways to pay for daycare; I did that when my kids were 4 and 2.