regard@ttidcc.UUCP (Adrienne Regard) (08/05/85)
>Paternity leave should, I think, also be seen as a benefit to the >*couple* raising a child, rather than to MEN as opposed to women. >This leaves us asking whether it is fair to discriminate, not on >the basis of sex, but in favor of *childrearers* (couples, or >single men or women, who choose to give birth to or adopt, and >then care for, children) as opposed to nonchildrearers. Discriminate is a bad word to use here. Numerous employee benefits are available for use by all employees, but only exercised by some. (for example, discount purchasing, savings plans, company instruction, tuition reimbursement). These are benefits that the company offers to all employees. Those who DON'T elect to use them aren't being disciminated against, they are exercising choice. As far a generic "childbearers" are concerned (I think you mean "childraisers" and/or "parent(s)"), discrimination is the wrong term. However, maternity benefits are available to all women (and paternity benefits SHOULD be available to all men) as an option. That many women do not choose to use it does not equal discrimination. That men DO NOT presently have the benefit, and cannot exercise a choice in the work arena, IS discriminatory, and should be remedied. Adrienne Regard