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Why Homemakers Matter (with Ivana Greco)

February 01, 2024 Center on Child and Family Policy Season 1 Episode 10
Why Homemakers Matter (with Ivana Greco)
Early Matters
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Early Matters
Why Homemakers Matter (with Ivana Greco)
Feb 01, 2024 Season 1 Episode 10
Center on Child and Family Policy

Summary
Katharine 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 Work

About the Guest

After 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.

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See the Center on Child and Family Policy's Work: www.ccfp.org

Sign Up for Updates: https://www.ccfp.org/sign-up-for-ccfp-updates

Email the Show: EarlyMatters@ccfp.org.

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Show Notes

Summary
Katharine 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 Work

About the Guest

After 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:

Follow Us on Social Media:


See the Center on Child and Family Policy's Work: www.ccfp.org

Sign Up for Updates: https://www.ccfp.org/sign-up-for-ccfp-updates

Email the Show: EarlyMatters@ccfp.org.

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