Children Quote by Ann Crittenden
““Any woman who has devoted herself to raising children has experienced the hollow praise that only thinly conceals smug dismissal. In a culture that measures worth and achievement almost solely in terms of money, the intensive work of rearing responsible adults counts for little. One of the most intriguing questions in economic history is how this came to be; how mothers came to be excluded from the ranks of productive citizens. How did the demanding job of rearing a modern child come to be termed baby-sitting? When did caring for children become a 'labor of love,;' smothered under a blanket of sentimentality that hides its economic importance?””
About This Quote
Society undervalues motherhood, framing child-rearing as a sentimental labor of love, overlooking its economic significance.
In simple terms: Motherhood is praised but seen as just love, not real work.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and value caregiving as essential labor.
Themes
parenting
economics
gender
labor
valuation
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
Children:1
Labor of love:1
Parenting:1
Raising children:1
Came Mothers:0
Rearing Modern:0
Work Rearing:0
Rearing Responsible:0
Devoted Raising:0
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- family budgeting
- career planning
Key Concepts
care work
social perception
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we reframe caregiving in economic terms?
- What policies could support parents?
A Different Perspective
Changing cultural narratives is slow and faces resistance.
