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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Holding It Together summary
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Holding It Together summary
Jessica Calarco
How Women Became America's Safety Net
15 mins
Brief summary
Holding It Together by Jessica Calarco examines the struggles families face balancing parenting and work, especially in crisis situations, offering insights into how policies and societal expectations impact their daily lives and wellbeing.
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Holding It Together
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The glue holding the country together
Akari is a single mother of two young children. She works tirelessly to make ends meet, juggling two retail jobs during the week, and a shift at a manufacturing facility on the weekends. She clocks in 50 hours a week for a maximum of $3,000 a month.
In her Indiana town, the living wage is $7,300. Despite her relentless efforts, Akari remains $20,000 in debt. She’s also shouldered with the guilt of not being present for her children.
A few years ago, tragedy struck. Akari’s partner was shot and killed, leaving the children without a father and, in many ways, without a mother as well. Akari’s demanding work schedule, driven by the need to provide for her family, means she’s physically absent for much of their lives.
Akari’s story is both heartbreaking and far from unique. Across the United States, countless women are in similar situations, working multiple jobs and fighting to make a living.
And yet, consider how wealthy the US is. It begs the question – why are so many families in desperate circumstances?
The core issue lies in the lack of a societal safety net. Instead of investing in essential services like childcare and creating positive social policies, the US has done the opposite. For decades, the federal minimum wage has stagnated at $7.25 an hour. Additionally, attacks on unions have made it nearly impossible for workers to secure basic rights like paid sick leave and fair working conditions.
Without a safety net, a society will unravel. The US experiences higher levels of depression and poverty compared to other high-income countries, alongside greater political unrest.
The absence of support systems means the responsibility of holding everything together falls disproportionately on individuals, particularly women. Women like Akari become the invisible glue of the economy, working tirelessly for low pay while balancing childcare and other responsibilities.
This scenario isn’t just unfair; it’s unsustainable. Things could be different, and later we’ll look at some possible solutions. But first, we need to understand how women get trapped in the first place. How do they end up being the ones expected to keep their families and, by extension, the country together?
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What is Holding It Together about?
Holding It Together (2024) explores the hardships facing women all over the US. In the absence of any social safety net, women endure immense pressure in their multiple roles as caregivers and low-paid workers to sustain life for themselves and their families with little to no help.
Holding It Together Review
Holding It Together (2021) sheds light on the complex balancing act parents face in today's competitive world. Here's why this book is a worthwhile read:
- Boasts insightful analyses on the challenges modern parents navigate daily, offering fresh perspectives and practical solutions.
- The book delves into socioeconomic factors influencing parenting decisions, sparking vital conversations on inequality and societal pressures.
- Through compelling narratives and relatable experiences, it provides a nuanced look at parenting realities, ensuring readers are captivated throughout.
Who should read Holding It Together?
- Feminists
- People interested in social inequality in the US
- Policy makers interested in ethics
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Holding It Together FAQs
What is the main message of Holding It Together?
The main message of Holding It Together focuses on the challenges of balancing work and family life.
How long does it take to read Holding It Together?
Reading Holding It Together takes a few hours, but the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Holding It Together a good book? Is it worth reading?
With insights into work-life balance struggles, Holding It Together offers valuable perspectives for modern lifestyles.
Who is the author of Holding It Together?
Jessica Calarco is the author of Holding It Together.
What to read after Holding It Together?
If you're wondering what to read next after Holding It Together, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- Single, Dating, Engaged, Married by Ben Stuart
- The Idea Is the Easy Part by Brian Dovey
- The First Rule of Mastery by Michael Gervais
- Either/Or by Soren Kierkegaard
- Phaedo by Plato