My view is shaped somewhat by the fact that I have dated woman in developing countries that do not have alimony laws or the laws in place are not enforced. Lack of access to alimony in combination with inequality is a dangerous area wrought with heartbreak and unfairness. If you have equality and no alimony you incent work, self-sufficiency, and the use of day care. If you have inequality and no alimony you incent prostitution, hopelessness, and bad behavior by males.
I think the best situation is equality and no alimony and I think as a country we are close enough to equality to make it work. I don’t think a premium for traditional family structure is necessary. And this comes from someone who believes and went with that model and who has two great kids – I just don’t see from anecdotal and empirical studies a measurable difference to society with stay-at-home verses daycare when the benefit of mobility to the woman (usually) is factored in. I think the traditional family is a personal choice and if anything can be subsidized through tax credits.
