Why Homemakers Matter (with Ivana Greco)

SummaryKatharine talks with Ivana Greco about her unusual path from successful, Harvard-educated attorney to full-time "stay-at-home mom," caring for her toddler and homeschooling her two young sons. Their conversation illuminates the often-overlooked societal importance and personal fulfillment of full-time parenting. Key points include:Why Ivana dislikes the term "stay-at-home mom" and thinks "homemaker" better characterizes that essential role.The limitations of GDP in capturing the value of individual production and the false dichotomy between pro-GDP and pro-family positions.Historical significance of the "housewife," and the critical role homemakers have long played in the economic and social fabric of a thriving society.The technological and cultural forces that led to devaluation of work at home.Policy solutions to better support homemakers, including reforms to Social Security and providing on-ramps back into the workforce.Relevant WorkThe Job for Which All Others Exist: Let’s Bring Back the Term “Homemaker"When Moms Lean Out, Government Should Lean InValuing Homemaking: Against GDP Growth FundamentalismJobs for Homemaker Parents: Exploring "Serial CareersDual-Income Families' Time Crunch: Why Support Families that Want a Stay-at-Home Parent?About the GuestAfter graduating cum laude from Harvard Law School in 2011, Ivana Greco spent a decade working as a successful attorney, specializing in qualified retirement-plan advising and healthcare litigation. A couple of years ago, she left her paid employment to work as a full-time mother of her three children, caring for a toddler and homeschooling her two young sons. She is also a writer, publishing regularly on family policy and other issues that impact stay-at-home parents.---------------------------------------Subscribe to Early Matters: Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3EgluC8 Apple: https://apple.co/3qIp7Ol iHeart: https://ihr.fm/44oFE7R Follow Us on Social Media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/_CCFP and https://twitter.com/kbstevens LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/center-on-child-and-family-policy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/centeronchildandfamilypolicy See the Center on Child and Family Policy's Work: www.ccfp.orgSign Up for Updates: https://www.ccfp.org/sign-up-for-ccfp-updatesEmail the Show: [email protected]