Many parents today have dual jobs and responsibilities, both at home and at work, draining them both physically, mentally and sometimes emotionally, such that they do not have enough time for themselves and their children. Some are not given the option to choose between the two, given their income status and their responsibilities at work. Yet it is heart wrenching for parents to miss out on the development of their children because it is during that period of time that the children discover more about themselves and their characters and personalities start to develop and are largely influenced by their caregivers and peers. When parents are not a part of the children’s development, there would not be anyone to guide them and help them understand new concepts and ideas and this may lead to negative consequences such as child abuse and child molestation. Perhaps this explains why many young people do not want to get married and/or have children as they are afraid of the burdens and responsibilities of providing for the family and to make ends meet, despite the numerous policies that the governments have introduced to encourage the young to get married and have children.
Can we really blame them? Given how the business world is structured today, the advances in technology and the pace at which work is conducted, the demands of work have increased drastically that it has become so difficult to balance the responsibilities as an employee and a parent. Thus, in order not to compromise their responsibilities in life, they avoid putting themselves in that position by not having children.
Who should be responsible for this? The employers can play their part by enforcing arrangements that allow them more time and ability to attain work-life balance, such as flexible work arrangements where employees can choose to come to office at a time that is suitable for their lifestyles as long as they get the work done. Another flexible work arrangement that is quite prevalent in a number of companies in the United States is where employees are allowed to work from home, which has now been made possible because of the advances in technology. Employees can tap into the company’s intranet and access required information at their time and convenience. Both parties benefit from this arrangement because employee’s work and performance is not compromised and they get more time with the family. One implication of this arrangement is that social bonds in the organization may be compromised because employees spend less time at work. Political institutions can play their part to ensure that policies are in place to protect the employees and make sure that they receive adequate salaries, compensation and benefits. Political institutions can also encourage employers to develop policies that provide employees with the support that they need to balance the demands at work and at home, such as childcare benefits. They can also assist in providing funds that support children’s education and developing children childcare facilities.
Another effect that globalization has on families is that poor women are allowed in the global economy but the men are shut out of it. This puts women in a fragile position because they have to balance the burdens of family and work. At the same time, men’s dignity and pride are bruised and some vent their frustrations and anger on their wives and children, leading to domestic abuse which may be kept under wraps because of the embarrassment and humiliation associated with it. Social institutions can play their part by educating women on what can be done when faced with such situations and how they should protect themselves.
