Last week Hilke Brockmann, German professor in sociology, started a discussion about a ‘mothers quota’. Regarding to the 45 year old mother of two a quota for mothers in politics and business would lead to a more family-friendly labor organization and political decisions which concentrate on children and families.
Is the long discussed ‘womens quota’ really a measure which mainly supports single women? Would implementing a ‘womens quota’ be a better way to support mothers? Certainly mothers in politics and in leading positions in companies help to change the culture: Family-friendly working hours, appreciation and support of working parents, a new perspective towards the hurdles of reconciling family and career. So a quota could serve as a catalyst for changing the company cultures and the view on working mothers in the society. Still the idea of a quota has negative aspects – as already discussed well regarding the ‘womens quota’. The implementation of such a measure goes along with mandatory framework conditions which are not always given at the moment, e.g. sufficient child care possibilities. Before these parameters aren’t given it is difficult to prescribe a quota – on the other hand a quota would definitely advance the implementation of these measures.
What do you think? Is a ‘mothers quota’ the right way? Is generally a quota a good measure?
