Child care Quote by Lynn Povich
““In 1971, Congress had approved the Comprehensive Child Development Act, which would have provided child care on a sliding fee scale to working parents as a matter of right. However, President Richard Nixon vetoed it, saying it would commit “the vast moral authority of the national government to the side of communal approaches to childrearing over against [sic] the family-centered approach.” At the same time, the mainstream media were spreading the feminist message in the public arena.””
About This Quote
Source Article: New York Times, “The Child Care Fight of 1971”, 1972
Nixon’s veto framed child care as a moral issue, opposing a government‑supported right with a family‑centered view, while media promoted feminist perspectives.
In simple terms: Nixon opposed government child care, favoring family control.
Key Takeaway
Consider how policy framing shapes public opinion.
Themes
policy
gender
family
government
media
Mood
critical
historical
Type
political
educational
When to use this quote
- legislative debates
- parenting decisions
- media coverage
- advocacy campaigns
Key Concepts
feminism
public welfare
political rhetoric
Questions to Reflect On
- What arguments could have swayed the veto?
- How do media narratives influence policy outcomes?
A Different Perspective
The debate ignored the practical needs of working parents.
