Given the historical patterns of childcare and the current trends in child custody in divorce cases, would these challenges fall more heavily upon low wage women?

Historically, childcare was provided by a member of the family, generally the mother, who stayed home to raise her children and care for the family, while her husband provided financially. Having children would have placed the role of provider and caregiver on the author, she would also have required larger living quarters and increased expenses. Child custody is generally, but not always, awarded to the mother, who would be responsible for acquiring childcare, transportation, and taking care of medical bills. For many women, there is no father in the picture.