Unpaid Labor Is Work, Despite What Some Politicians Think

This year, many families facing financial hardships found relief through the expanded Child Tax Credit, which provided essential monthly payments during the ongoing struggles of the Covid pandemic. Initially set to expire after this year, there’s a possibility of its extension. President Biden has proposed including the child tax credit in his $3.5 trillion reconciliation package, gaining support from numerous Democrats. However, a few key figures in the party are pushing for conditions on these funds.

Senator Jake Robinson from West Virginia has suggested that families should meet work requirements to qualify for the child tax credit in the future. This raises an important question: what about those who engage in unpaid labor? Think about stay-at-home parents—predominantly mothers—who may lack a taxable income but are undoubtedly working tirelessly within their homes. For someone who identifies as a Democrat, Sen. Robinson’s stance echoes the sentiments of Republicans who believe that social support systems are too lenient.

In a recent interview, Robinson stated, “There’s no work or education requirements whatsoever for receiving this support. Shouldn’t those receiving assistance make some effort?” But let’s pause for a moment.

Senator Robinson, let’s discuss your views on parents and caregivers. Are you really suggesting that a parent with a high school education, who is already juggling the demands of raising children, needs to pursue further education to qualify for crucial financial support? When would they find the time to study, given that they are already working full-time and caring for their kids? Should they take on debt for education to receive a modest tax credit?

Moreover, what does a parent’s education level have to do with their capability to raise children? How does enforcing such a requirement aid those who are genuinely struggling? Families are facing poverty, and you want to impose educational barriers on them to access the funds they desperately need to survive. It’s baffling.

Individuals living in poverty often lack the time and resources to meet Robinson’s proposed criteria for receiving the additional $250 or $300 each month. For instance, a mother working 40 hours a week at a fast-food restaurant, earning $15 an hour, would find it nearly impossible to afford community college classes. And who’s going to care for her children during her classes?

While the older kids may attend after-school programs, she still has to pay for daycare for her four-year-old, adding hundreds of dollars to her weekly expenses. How can she manage to pursue higher education while simultaneously navigating these responsibilities?

Let’s address unpaid labor, Senator Robinson. The reality is that someone needs to wake the kids up, prepare meals, take them to school, assist with homework, and attend parent-teacher meetings. Typically, it’s mothers who shoulder these tasks. And guess what? They aren’t compensated for this work; in fact, it often costs them money to support their children’s activities.

The unpaid labor of caregivers has been vital for many families throughout the pandemic. Many parents, especially mothers, were forced to leave their jobs to care for their children when schools closed. And even as schools reopen, someone must stay home when a child must quarantine due to exposure to Covid.

Senator Robinson, you may be unaware of the realities of unpaid labor because you haven’t had to experience them. You have a spouse who likely managed the household duties while you pursued your career. That’s unpaid labor. Parents today continue to handle these responsibilities without compensation.

Due to the soaring costs of childcare, some families find it more economical for mothers to stay home rather than seek employment. Are you really suggesting that they need to secure an outside job to receive a tax credit that barely offsets their childcare expenses? This perspective is not only out of touch; it’s infuriating.

Let’s be clear: unpaid labor is work. Cooking, laundry, transporting children to appointments—all of it is work. Families should not have to meet additional requirements to access funds they already contribute to. Thankfully, there are other senators who recognize the importance of unpaid labor in sustaining our society. And as for you, I hope you express gratitude to your spouse for their unacknowledged contributions.

For further insights, you can check out our other blog post here or visit Make A Mom for authoritative information on related topics. For excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination, visit CDC Pregnancy.

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In summary, the notion that unpaid labor does not equate to work is fundamentally flawed. Families contribute immeasurably to society, often without recognition or compensation. It’s crucial to acknowledge the value of all forms of labor, especially in discussions about financial support.

Keyphrase: Unpaid labor is work

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