Problems Statement

Environmental - threatening species survival

    1. the biosphere may lose its capacity to support humans, bringing about the early extinction of our species;

2. a major ecological catastrophe or series of catastrophes may occur, leaving a few pockets of humans here and there to eke out an existence in those remnants of the biosphere that can support human life; * ref

There are two underlying core problems our species must solve to achieve sustainablity.

Foremost is the fact most human beings don't posses the information skills needed to understand our society well enough to make informed decisions. The origin of this problem is rapid rate of cultural evolution in modern society. This rate of cultural evolution has far outpaced both the rate of generational and intergenerational cultural transmission. The second hurtle is that the previous problem and the existence of a global culture which has constrained all human choices.

Cultural problems effecting women, family and children are the driving forces of cultural evolution.

Our system is one of many that are emergent properties of the system.

Women - Unpaid Labor

3. Dramatic changes in family structure and women Is labor force participation have not brought substantial changes to the sexual division of labor. Today, most married women share responsibility for the breadwinner role; but men, by and large, have been slower to share domestic responsibilities. Furthermore, no other institution in society, neither public nor private, has stepped in to help working women. As a result, women have shouldered the responsibilities of work and family largely on their own. *__ref

... all family members should sit down ! to receive this piece of news from the UN: globally, the unpaid work done by women has been valued at $11 trillion (US) a year. ...Macroeconomics is only now waking up to the importance of mothers' unpaid work. Economists joke that if a bachelor hires a housekeeper and pays her for housekeeping, then her work is counted as a contribution to the Gross National Product. If, however, the housekeeper marries and continues doing the very same work--without pay--then her work is no long counted as part of the GNP. *_ref

Women and lower wages both by Industry & Occupation -

Career Women - Marriage

  • The Marriage Gradient

    The pool of eligible mates decreases for women as they get older, richer, and more educated. The pool of eligible mate for men increases as they get older, richer, and more educated. *__ref

Unmarried Career Women and Reproduction

  • Western Countries - dropping fertility rates
  • Single Career Women - mates, balancing work and home

All Parents - Socialization

  • Childcare - Quality and cost
  • Time crunch
  • Play Dates or no children next door

Transitioning from an Industrial to an Information age

  • Globalization - job loss, exploitation
  • Education - has not adapted to new science - in general 50 years behind

Industrial Age Remnants should slowly disappear as productivity goes up and consumption retreats.

    • Hunger
    • Poverty
    • Ignorance