New Books in Critical Theory
Jessica Calarco, "Holding It Together: How Women Became America's Safety Net" (Portfolio, 2024)
Jun 15, 2024
Jessica Calarco, an Associate Professor of Sociology, discusses women's vital roles in America's safety net, revealing the challenges they face due to inadequate social support. The podcast explores the impact on caregiving, motherhood, and the need for collective action to reimagine social safety nets for a more equitable society.
46:23
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Quick takeaways
- In the US, women bear a disproportionate burden in upholding the DIY society without adequate social safety nets.
- Beliefs in meritocracy hinder support for universal programs, impeding efforts to establish inclusive social safety nets.
Deep dives
Understanding the DIY Society and Lack of Social Safety Net in the US
The podcast episode delves into the concept of the DIY society prevalent in the US, depicting how the nation lacks a robust social safety net. By comparing it to high-income countries investing in social safety nets, the episode highlights how the US model encourages individuals to manage all risks independently, leading to gaps in support. The discussion emphasizes the disproportionate burden on women, who predominantly undertake unpaid and underpaid labor to uphold the illusion of a DIY society, portraying the essential role women play in maintaining societal and economic balance without adequate social safety nets.
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