What does Bouton claim about the impact on women's lives when they take primary responsibility for children?

What does Bouton claim about the impact on women's lives when they take primary responsibility for children?

• A. They have more free time.
• B. They are supported by their partners.
• C. It often comes at the expense of other aspects of their lives, such as paid employment.
• D. They are rewarded with promotions.

Answer: (C)

When women take on the main responsibility for children, the time and emotional energy devoted to childcare can crowd out paid work and other activities. This creates a clear opportunity cost: hours spent with children often reduce the time available for employment, training, or career advancement, which can limit earnings and long-term career prospects. It isn’t about having more free time, or about being supported by partners, or receiving promotions; it’s about how the heavy caregiving load can constrain women’s life choices and economic opportunities. This reflects how gendered expectations around motherhood shape women's work lives and life chances.

When women take on the main responsibility for children, the time and emotional energy devoted to childcare can crowd out paid work and other activities. This creates a clear opportunity cost: hours spent with children often reduce the time available for employment, training, or career advancement, which can limit earnings and long-term career prospects. It isn’t about having more free time, or about being supported by partners, or receiving promotions; it’s about how the heavy caregiving load can constrain women’s life choices and economic opportunities. This reflects how gendered expectations around motherhood shape women's work lives and life chances.