The timeless wisdom that “it takes a village to raise a child” is predicated on the notion that parenting is a shared endeavor, reliant on an age-old network of communal support to nurture and guide the next generation. Yet, in today’s bifurcated economic reality, unaffordable housing has fractured the very village that once provided this essential foundation, leaving mothers to grapple with insurmountable stress as they work to fulfill dual roles as mothers and financial providers. Historically, multi-generational living and close-knit neighborhoods formed the cornerstone of the proverbial village from the days of the shtetls in Europe to post-war residential migration patterns across the country. Moreover, families lived alongside one another, with grandparents, extended relatives, and neighbors collectively contributing to childcare, emotional support, and the transmission of cultural values. Further, these arrangements offered mothers a reprieve from the overwhelming demands of raising children, enabling them to participate in the workforce while knowing their children were cared for within a trusted network of family, rather than the cost-prohibitive childcare that often forces women to choose between career and motherhood in today’s economy.
However, the affordability crisis in housing has shattered this framework. Rising rents and prohibitive home prices in cities that are home to America’s largest Jewish communities have driven families apart, scattering them across distant suburbs or even different states. In urban areas, gentrification has displaced long-standing communities, leaving mothers isolated from the support systems they once relied upon. As unaffordable housing erodes communal support, women face mounting pressures to excel in both their professional and domestic roles. This dual burden creates a cascade of stress, affecting their emotional well-being and their ability to be fully present in either domain. Consequently, the financial strain of securing housing in high-cost areas such as Los Angeles often forces mothers to work longer hours or take on multiple jobs to make ends meet. This relentless pursuit of economic stability detracts from their ability to spend meaningful time with their children, fostering feelings of guilt and inadequacy. Workplace demands, compounded by the absence of family support, leave little room for flexibility, making it challenging for mothers to balance their responsibilities effectively.
Without the shared responsibilities of a multigenerational village, mothers are left to juggle childcare, household tasks, and professional obligations single-handedly. The lack of respite or communal care exacerbates feelings of isolation and stress, creating an unsustainable reality treated too often by medication rather than understanding the root causes of burnout at all ends. Traditional support systems were not only practical but also instrumental in passing down generational wisdom, religious continuity and parenting techniques. While the erosion of traditional support systems presents formidable challenges, there remains hope in reimagining the village in modern contexts. Women and families are increasingly turning to innovative solutions to rebuild networks of care and collaboration. Specifically, community organizations, parenting groups, and digital platforms offer opportunities for mothers to connect with others facing similar challenges. These networks provide emotional support, practical advice, and shared resources, helping to alleviate the burdens of solo parenting.
Addressing the housing crisis requires systemic solutions, including affordable housing policies, childcare subsidies, and workplace reforms. Advocacy efforts aimed at tackling these root causes can restore the conditions needed for communal living and shared caregiving, reducing the disproportionate stress borne by mothers. Unaffordable housing has undeniably dismantled the village that women once relied upon to balance the demands of work and motherhood. Yet, through resilience, creativity, and advocacy, there is potential to rebuild a modern equivalent—a network of support that champions collective care and shared responsibility. In essence, by addressing the systemic issues at the heart of the housing crisis, society can alleviate the insurmountable stress faced by mothers and restore the village’s vital role in raising children. Ultimately, the challenge of balancing career and motherhood is not one that women should bear alone. It is a societal and communal issue that demands a collective response, one that prioritizes affordable living, gender parity in the childraising, workplace flexibility, and community cohesion. Only then can we ensure that the village perseveres, adapting to modern realities while continuing to uplift the families it serves.
Lisa Ansell is the Associate Director of the USC Casden Institute and Lecturer of Hebrew Language at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion Los Angeles.
