zlacker

Why are we making motherhood something that cuts into someone’s career at all? Furthermore why are we making motherhood something that should punish the mother? Is it okay that a mother go without resources because she mothered too young? Is it fair/meritocratic to her child?

>>Solace+(OP)
To some degree most cultures do give assistance to new mothers, at least if they are poor. It seems you are arguing for more of that; the issue is it creates bad outcomes. The poorer you are, the more practical sense it makes to have a child. Then the next generation is more likely to have grown up in less than ideal circumstances.

The only kind of children society should encourage is those in stable financially-secure families.

>>Solace+(OP)
In the USA, and most developed countries, you don't have a career at 16. You are either just starting your first job or still finishing your education. You do not start popping out children as soon as or shortly after sexual maturity begins.

>>akvadr+G3
You may notice I didn’t argue for any of that. I merely argued against the viewing of motherhood as a punishment to the woman, and that it is right for her career to be stunted therefore. “She made her bed” as it were.

>>Solace+(OP)
Motherhood doesn't cut into someone's career. Motherhood is a career. It's a privilege, not a punishment.

People who make bad decisions will often go without resources. Society thus diverts resources to people who make good decisions. Things work better this way, with much less waste. We get more messed up families if government pays people to have messed up families.

I don't think that "she mothered too young". There is nothing wrong with age 16. The problem is instead that she didn't first find a suitable husband to support her family.