As I thought further about the way people often jump to say "Get up and get yourself a job", I read in today's papers how Appeals Court Judge, Peter Williams, said yesterday "The Courts must denounce strongly the sexual exploitation of [young working women and girls]... by their employers and supervisors" and that a "rape culture" must not be allowed to develop (see Nation report). I cannot speak from experience of low wage work, but have heard enough anecdotes on this subject and also am aware of its manifestation in higher-paid work areas. One can even get rid of the adjective 'young'.
What then should a young mother think if caught without a job and wondering what sacrifices to make to earn money or if she should take welfare assistance? Try a little thing on your own, that may pay poorly, but keep you away from the clutches of some rapacious boss? Or look for a job and then find that next time you are on a step ladder stacking the shelves that said boss is looking up at your handiwork?
When I think of advice to give my three daughters (ranging from 5 to 21+) about a working life and what to prepare themselves for, I must remember to warn them that for a woman getting a job sometimes comes with literally some unwanted attention and attendant personal risks.
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