While I was attending the International Association for Feminist Economics 33rd Annual Conference, the “Big Beautiful Bill” passed. Or, as a panelist said, the “Big Brutal Bill”. Over the next few months, Republicans will campaign to persuade their constituents that the bill will improve their lives. Meanwhile, Democrats will work to convince voters that this bill will not benefit Americans or put them “first.” Midterm elections are only 16 months away.
Point of view (POV)
What I have learned from conversations with people about a “better” American is that the point of view matters. For example, a panel on reproductive justice at the intersection of class included IVF and egg freezing, but notably excluded surrogacy and adoption. Anna Derby, a graduate student, highlighted that these two options are deeply tied to class issues. Medical insurance does not cover surrogacy or adoption. Additionally, the panel neglected to mention sterilization. These options are significant because upper-income women are not approached to be surrogates, are seldom encouraged to give up their children for adoption, and are not typically prompted to seek sterilization, whether by choice or coercion.
Over lunch, I spoke with Ariane Hegewisch, IWPR, who was not thrilled about the no tax on overtime. She argued that this would increase the burden of child-rearing and household chores for women. Exactly! The goal is for men (white) to earn enough money so that their wives can return home to care for the children and the home.
To achieve the America we envision, we must critically examine our viewpoints and respect the perspectives of others.
