Child support Quote by George Akerlof
““By making the birth of the child the physical choice of the mother, the sexual revolution has made marriage and child support a social choice of the father.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Economics of Discrimination, George Akerlof, 1999
The sexual revolution shifted reproductive responsibility to women, making marriage and child support a decision primarily for fathers.
In simple terms: Women control birth; fathers decide support.
Key Takeaway
Recognize shifting responsibilities.
Themes
gender roles
family dynamics
sexual politics
social policy
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
analytical
sociological
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- family planning
- gender equality discussions
Key Concepts
reproductive autonomy
economic incentives
social contracts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this view affect modern family law?
- What alternatives exist for shared responsibility?
A Different Perspective
May overlook cultural variations and personal choices.
![“Since 1865, when the [Thirteenth] Amendment was passed, Black men were getting charged, set up, arrested, and convicted for the pettiest of offenses--like child support. They were getting harsher punishments and longer sentences than their white counterparts. That way, the cotton could still get…” quote by Amy Watkins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9a4/amy-watkins-140356_black-men_since-1865-when-the-thirteenth-amendment_484167.jpg)
