What happens when more moms work? ①

Recently, we released a news report on " The Direct and Economic Ripple Effects of Housewives Re-entering the Workforce." It stated that if housewives aged 25 to 49 who left their jobs due to marriage or childbirth were able to re-enter the workforce as desired, the direct effect would amount to approximately 3 trillion yen, with the economic ripple effect reaching about 6.4 trillion yen. This time, we'll explain why Mama Lab undertook this calculation, starting with the initial impetus.

"Am I out of step with what moms consider normal?"

The impetus came from meeting various moms during my one-year childcare leave and hearing their individual stories. Among them were several moms whose childcare responsibilities had settled down and who now wanted to work. However, there was a gap between their vision of "working" and my own image. Most weren't thinking, "I want to find a job I can continue long-term while I'm still relatively young." Instead, they wanted "to work during free time and be home when the kids return" (Figure 1). I was taken aback by the difference in their approach to work and outlook on life. "Moms who want to prioritize their own lives when choosing work" were in the minority. I sometimes felt down, wondering if I lacked maternal instinct because I couldn't make childcare my absolute priority. But then it occurred to me: this might just be a minority view in Japan right now. Perhaps in the future, it will become the norm to continue working even after taking time off for childbirth and childcare.

 

When moms shoulder it alone, it's "I'm sorry"; when everyone supports it, it's "Thank you."

 

Even I, right after returning to work, often felt like saying "I'm sorry" – thinking "I spend too little time with my child, can't properly do housework, and feel bad for my family" or "I'm the only one leaving early, and that's unfair to my coworkers." This stemmed from somewhere deep down believing that "housework and childcare are the homemaker's role" and "working overtime is what makes you a real professional" were the standards. It's likely because these mental expectations are deeply ingrained throughout Japanese society.

But if common sense changes, "supporting each other in both work and household chores/childcare" becomes the norm. Then moms won't feel they have to say "I'm sorry" for not being able to do everything, but can instead say "thank you" to those around them for supporting them. For children too, they won't grow up thinking "I miss Mom when she's not home," but instead learn as common sense that "when you grow up, everyone works and supports each other." I hope we can become that kind of society.
 

I hope the economic ripple effect becomes an opportunity to think about the future.

 

From that starting point, we estimated the economic ripple effects of having more working housewives. Online, many opinions questioned, "Can we really create that many jobs?" But rather than dismissing it as "impossible to achieve anyway," I wanted to discuss the future and spark action. Investment and employment won't materialize unless people believe the economy can improve. Diverse opinions might just be one catalyst for societal change. With that hope, I threw a small stone into the pond, posing the question: "If more housewives enter the workforce, these effects seem possible." If someone calls this an ivory-tower theory, they'd be absolutely right, and I also believe nothing has only positive effects. Still, I hope even a few more people will imagine scenarios like: "If labor that was inside the home moves outside, and 'products and services' take over part of the housework and childcare, that could stimulate the economy," or "If stay-at-home moms become working moms, 'products and services' might evolve to match their changing lifestyles."
 

When homemakers start working, the economic ripple effect reaches 6.4 trillion yen

 

Based on statistical data, we estimated that "women who quit their jobs due to marriage or childbirth and are now full-time homemakers" account for 34.4% of all women aged 25-49 (Figure 2). Among them, "those who wish to work again" are estimated at 18.8%. If all of these women were to re-enter the workforce as desired, the volume zone would shift from full-time homemakers to working married women. (Figure 3)

Furthermore, assuming they return to work and receive the average annual income for their desired employment type (full-time employee, non-regular employee, part-time worker), the portion of this income spent on domestic consumption is considered "new revenue growth for each domestic industry." This is estimated as a "direct effect of 3.0 trillion yen." Since this further generates procurement for other industries, the direct effect of 3.0 trillion yen circulates within the industry, resulting in an "economic ripple effect" of approximately 6.4 trillion yen. If every housewife thinking "Maybe I'll work again" actually takes action, it would have a significant economic impact.

What happens to husbands when their wives work?

 

The ages 25 to 49 are a period of child-rearing, but they are also a crucial time for gaining professional experience. Therefore, it is ideal for both men and women to strike a balance. Of course, this doesn't mean complete equality, as there are differences in the roles of mothers and fathers. However, the childcare period is also a valuable experience for fathers. Furthermore, it serves as a hedge against risks, both financially and in terms of childcare, should something happen to either spouse. For husbands, the mental burden of "providing for the family" is reduced, while conversely, the time and sense of responsibility involved in household chores and childcare increase.

Some might think, "If men participate in childcare, the husband's income decreases, making household finances and the economy more difficult." However, there is also the perspective that for economic revitalization, it is better to have "more workers while the total working hours per person decrease overall." Of course, for the number of workers to increase, industries must grow. Next time, we will look at the industry perspective: what kinds of consumption are likely to increase as the number of "working housewives" grows.