In 'Equality Now', Jessica Francis Kane argues that every time a mom accepts help with her household duties from her husband, she trades her importance of being the 'sole care giver' for the guilt and shame of not meeting the expectations of a mother. Kane suggests that when children view their parents as interchangeable, the mother still is has the implied purpose of being supremely responsible. Even with all the leaps and bounds made towards equality among parental roles, Kane insists that there still is an enduring double standard yet to be broken.
Kane's argument is quite true when applied in her personal marriage and home-life, but it is unfair to say that all mothers carry the heavier load of responsibility at home. Though I agree that the typical married American woman is stereotyped as the 'do-it-all mother', every household is unique and fashioned differently. There are many wives who work full time and are the main providers for their families, while the husbands stay home and run the children show. Does this mean that these women must too feel guilty for breaking the motherly mold? It must be not only understood that every family is structured differently, but now also acceptable.
**Kristina Ripperdan**
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