Women at Work Consumed by Caregiving
9 snips
Nov 25, 2024 
Marti Bledsoe, executive director of the Kids Mental Health Foundation, shares her eye-opening journey of burnout and the relentless responsibilities of caregiving. Sociologist Jessica Calarco adds insights into the societal expectations that position women as primary caregivers, often at the expense of their professional aspirations. They discuss the burden of managing health crises, navigating job searches, and the systemic inequalities that persist in caregiving roles. Together, they emphasize the need for collective support and policy changes to better support women caregivers.
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Marti's Exhausting Year
- Marti Bledsoe, burnt out, quit her job to recover but couldn't find new work for over a year.
- Family emergencies, including a child's depression, moving twice, and her fiancé's injury, consumed her time.
Women as Default Caregivers
- Women are the default caregivers in the US, filling societal gaps.
- This default role, combined with necessary life choices, makes women the 'logical' choice for more caregiving.
Impact on Self-Esteem
- Feeling like the default caregiver is psychologically destabilizing, causing self-doubt.
- The constant need to accommodate others' needs can lead women to underestimate their capabilities.
