Educational Media Reviews Online

This informative documentary, based on the book by the same title, uncovers the distressing reality experienced by working mothers in the United States. Unlike their counterparts in other developed countries, American working mothers juggle jobs and other family responsibilities, such as childcare, with very little or no support. Through testimonials of experts and personal narratives from working mothers, activists, and politicians the film points to the paradox that an economically powerful country can also be defined by its lack of public policies and programs to support American families. It also illuminates the fact that paid maternity/paternity leave, flexible working hours, after school programs, children’s universal health care and affordable childcare services are essential not only for their immediate families but for a society as a whole.

The film exposes dramatically how these standards in the United States are inferior compared to other industrialized countries. It takes the stand that the solution to these problems would require a firm commitment from the public, as well as private sectors. It suggests some steps in the right direction such as the examples of an activist in Pennsylvania working to stop discrimination by employers against women with children and the health care initiative in California. Another example is the after school program offered by a school district in the Seattle area. It not only keeps the children off the streets and away from television, thus eliminating the exposure to consumption and violence, but it involves them in a productive and challenging range of activities. It reduces delinquency and other reckless activities that are one of the central sources of anxiety for working parents. Also, one businessman shares with the camera his success story offering flexible working hours that led to increased productivity in his business.

The documentary is well structured, and humorous animation and vintage film clips frame the scenes. It offers a wide range of information and testimonials from people with diverse backgrounds located in different parts of the country. Prominent experts including Karen Kornbluh, Joan Williams, Janet Gornick, Jody Heymann and National Organization for Women’s Kim Gandy make the case that America can do much better. It is a call for action to all Americans to mobilize towards a much needed solution to these problems. Highly recommended for discussions with focus on social and policy perspectives on childcare, women and work, working mothers, career and family issues.