LETTER: More Stats

Reshma Yaqub's "Ode to a Future Housewife and Mother" demonstrates that she has not made the decision to embrace domesticity lightly. However, there are some issues she did not discuss. First, it is important to realize that sacrifices are not always appreciated by those for whom they are made. Yaqub's husband and children may not be grateful. They will probably take her for granted. They may not admire her. They may reject her loving care. They may even resent her. Future parents and homemakers should be sure that the satisfaction they derive does not depend on their family's reaction. Second, one of the principle rewards of a career is not power, excitement or exhilaration. It is the pride and security of knowing that you do not depend on anyone else for support, that you can take care of yourself. This knowledge is particularly important for women. It is predicted that half of new marriages will end in divorce. Only 14 percent of women are awarded alimony and, in 1989, only 26 percent of divorced mothers received the full amount of their child-support payments. Third, paid employment is not incompatible with a priority on family. Women and men can sacrifice higher incomes and prestige in exchange for reasonable, flexible hours, limited travel and moves, parental leave, on-site daycare, vacation time, the ability to work at home and other benefits that improve family life. SARA SOLNICK PhD Candidate School of Arts and Sciences