Looking back at my four decades in existence, I have seen a progressive trend in our diffusion of personal power and control to that of others, namely corporate and wealthy America.
I was too young to see its beginnings, but the evolution of women's lib excluded one key message. The message being that, yes, women should have the same opportunities as men in their personal and career choices. What was forgotten was the family. If you want to pursue a career, find a man who would like to be a homemaker. In the next few decades, families, such as my parents, opted for the dual income approach. They were able to pay off the family home in five years, and begin a savings program that could afford them a comfortable future. We had what we needed and more, a lot more than what you would expect from a factory labourer and a cafeteria worker these days.
But, they were not the only ones getting ahead. The result was a huge increase in the workforce, hence increasing income tax contributions. So, government was winning. As well, with more disposable income, we saw a rise in the price of goods and services. Inflation quickly caught up. So, business was also doing well.
Today, the end result is that a dual income is the norm for most families, in order to afford the basics and necessities. And, for those who need a bit more luxury but don't have the funds, there is credit. What a mess we've created.
