Holland: Cut tax breaks on non-working women: report

[comtec]

http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/2010/03/cut_tax_breaks_on_nonworking_w.php

I thought this was an interesting article, and sanguine to this forum.

In short women who stay at home's partners get an additional tax break (the Kitchen sink tax break)

Personally I think it's a good law. If one partner is working and the other is taking care of the house hold, then there should be a tax break. I also think that person taking care of the house hold should get Soc Sec credit as well since the reality is being a stay at home parent is (iirc) calculated to be a $120,000/year job.

thoughts?

[seabeyond]

1. it talks about women though article implies partner that stays at home

and they mention either partner so glad to see this break isnt just for moms. i would be bothered if it wouldnt also apply for a stay at home dad.

my personal belief is it is a good thing for a parent to be home with kids. didnt believe it until after i had my first. not all people can do that or want to do that so that is their choice too. i would like to see something to help people out that chose that though. wont do anything for me, and not talking about my personal choices.

i am not thrilled a country is encouraging a two parent working home. i would like to see more people have the option of a one parent working home and a livable income.

[comtec]

2. You also have Paternity leave here

So when a child is born the father can spend bonding time with it.
Also you are allowed to use sick (unlimited) time to take care of a partner or child as needed.

I miss it back home, desperately, but it's a hell of a lot more civilized - in some ways - than home.

However I think that law originally stated women. The Netherlands is a strange country. Civilized in many respects, and stuck in the middle ages in others.

Women's rights are all over the place. Generally on the 'good' side (as far as discrimination laws are generally made vague enough that everyone is included) but the way women are perceived sometimes (society) is still rather archaic at times.

strange country, but it's growing on me... much like a fine fungus or moss.

[seabeyond]

3. that is how i see it... the strange of it all

sons and i talk about it. so progressive in areas, and not so in others. and no.... i dont want to be european as a female. i think i have talked to you about that in the past. i never thought they had it all over american women. as a female, i prefer the u.s.

i have wondered if you missed it here.

[Name removed]

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[bliss_eternal]

6. My thought....

...is that this article is inappropriate for this forum.

I also think the name of this tax break (the kitchen sink tax break) is incredibly sexist and offensive. I believe it was named as such, as it was originally designed to benefit men (as oppposed to women working outside the home).

That's what I think about this.

I also think I'd like to comment on the repeated act of posting articles in this forum that mention women, but aren't necessarily feminist articles.

I also feel strongly that a reminder of the mission statement of this forum is in order.
I'll link to that now (and share a bit of it here---highlighting the appropriate areas, that need attention, imho):

----------------------------------------------------
About this Group

- This is not a group to discuss gender, class or sexual orientation rights and issues. It is specifically to discuss women's rights and issues as they affect women from a woman's perspective and experience.

- If, for example, you believe that women have already achieved "full participation in the mainstream of American society..., exercising all privileges and responsibilities thereof in truly equal partnership with men... in all aspects of citizenship, public service, employment, education, and family life,"* then this is not the group for you.

- If, for example, you believe that women who have concerns about the prevalance of pornography in our society are uptight, sexually-repressed prudes who need to be enlightened to the "facts" and "realities" of the sex industry, this is not the group for you.

- The terms "feminist/feminism" and "misogyny" have established meanings in the context of women's history. While terminology may be debated, the denigration of these relevant terms will not be allowed.

- Attempts to minimize or dismiss women and/or the issues being discussed are not welcome.

- Like-minded DUers of all genders are encouraged to participate.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=341x1 :)