Helping young America to responsible parenthood
Lorimer, F.
Eugenical News 26(4): 69-74
1941
ISSN/ISBN: 0361-7769 Document Number: 384294
The population of the U. S. is declining in all sections of our society with the exception of isolated rural groups. Future population maintenance depends upon (1) eliminating wars, (2) preventing the recurrence of excessive booms and depressions, and (3) instituting a program that will make responsible parenthood more secure from an economic viewpoint. By its do-nothing policy our present economic system penalizes families with children and subsidizes bachelors and childless couples. From 22 to 32% of childless wives among native white women under 40 yrs. with husbands' income between $1,000 and $1,500 report earnings. In the same age and income group only 4-8% of wives with children are gainfully employed. Couples with children find their needs so increased that they must suffer a great reduction in level of living even with respect to living quarters, medical services, and food. To encourage parenthood, the author proposes (1) increased opportunities for gainful employment compatible with motherhood, (2) development of measures counteracting those which now tend to force married women to seek employment. The author advises cancellation of 1/4 of the income tax for each dependent child up to the levels where each additional child does not substantially reduce the level of family living. Provision of goods and services for mothers and children are preferred to the scheme of cash payment to mothers. A subsidized public housing directed towards the needs of families with several children should be begun after the war. Only by such economic * measures can responsible parenthood be encouraged.