As more American women become prominent figures in the workplace, the forces working against them become all the more evident. The United States only offers twelve unpaid weeks of maternity leave for new mothers, the lowest federal policy of all developing nations. Even with pleas from the masses and prominent politicians, like President Barack Obama, the last change in federal policy was in 1993. It’s important to consider the factors-- sexism and the American imperialist ideal-- that block maternity leave policies from increasing in length and becoming paid.
Though the United States aims to keep its spot as a top developing nation, its maternity leave policies are lacking compared to the rest of the world. The actual presence of maternity …show more content…
The ILO calls for at least 14 weeks of leave for women, while the FMLA only covers 12 weeks of leave. It also mandates that nations offer women at least two-thirds of their earnings during their leave, funded by the state. The United States is pathetically lacking as the only developed country to not meet any of the three standards (Controno). Nearly every country is a member of the ILO and respects the standards it sets forth. It’s hypocritical that the United States can continually claim to be a nation of equal opportunity, while denying women rights that all other countries …show more content…
With the expenses of a new baby, income is a considerable factor, even if the mother isn’t recovered, and many low-income families can’t afford to stay away from work for periods of time. Paid leave would allow financial and family stressors to be significantly lessened. Also, if parents have to immediately return to work after giving birth, childcare comes into the equation. This would entail either paying, and it’s especially difficult and expensive to find care for infants, or relying on potentially unreliable friends and family for
Though the United States aims to keep its spot as a top developing nation, its maternity leave policies are lacking compared to the rest of the world. The actual presence of maternity …show more content…
The ILO calls for at least 14 weeks of leave for women, while the FMLA only covers 12 weeks of leave. It also mandates that nations offer women at least two-thirds of their earnings during their leave, funded by the state. The United States is pathetically lacking as the only developed country to not meet any of the three standards (Controno). Nearly every country is a member of the ILO and respects the standards it sets forth. It’s hypocritical that the United States can continually claim to be a nation of equal opportunity, while denying women rights that all other countries …show more content…
With the expenses of a new baby, income is a considerable factor, even if the mother isn’t recovered, and many low-income families can’t afford to stay away from work for periods of time. Paid leave would allow financial and family stressors to be significantly lessened. Also, if parents have to immediately return to work after giving birth, childcare comes into the equation. This would entail either paying, and it’s especially difficult and expensive to find care for infants, or relying on potentially unreliable friends and family for