That being the case, the discussions of the past few years about childless “career women” have been completely out of place. A woman in Germany must still expect that the birth of a child will lead to a long-term or permanent withdrawal from the workforce. At the same time, since the change in the divorce laws, women in Germany feel even more pressure to work: for if the marriage fails, they now receive support for only a few years.
Even in the most recent days, dubious priorities were set (the cash-for-clunkers program could be passed more quickly than an increase in the number of daycare spots). Only a few future-oriented ideas were put forth for a family policy that is suitable for this day and age. While in Germany the “hearth premium” is being discussed, the French Minister of Family Affairs, Philippe Bas, stated provocatively: “Children are more successful when mothers work.” At the very least, studies commissioned by the French Ministry for Family Affairs show that maternal employment is not a handicap to children’s success in school.”
The extensive childcare opportunities in France are complemented by generous financial support and tax breaks, especially after the birth of the second child, as well as incentives for the mother’s quick return to the workforce. For French families, too, are mostly dependent on two incomes. Parents with three children are de facto exempt from taxation. And there is a three-year parenting allowance. In specifics, as well, “French conditions” are more family friendly: a father in Germany is entitled to one day off after the birth of his child; in France, a father gets fourteen. And mothers receive sixteen weeks of paid maternity leave.
The French social psychologist Dominique Frischer is convinced that the compatibility of motherhood and work is the reason for the French baby boom. In any case, the birthrate cannot be attributed to the higher number of migrant children, since immigrants in France adjust fairly quickly to the national average when it comes to the birthrate.
Thus there is much to be done in terms of family and education policy. Too much to drift off into the metaphysical realm.
Source: Tanja Dückers, “Religiosität hilft nicht” [“Religiosity Doesn’t Help”], ZEIT online, February 1, 2010.
Translation: Thomas Dunlap
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