Stay-At-Home Mother with a Nanny?


If Pat was a homemaker, why did she need a nanny? Concepcion helped move the story along, tucking the children in bed when Pat became too small, dancing to music while Pat was struggling in the disposal, etc. But, why would a homemaker with only 2 kids need a nanny? Wouldn't that be awfully expensive for a 1 income household?

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I think the husband made alot of money, but I see your point.

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I think Concepcion was more of a housekeeper. Many families do this so that the wife can pursue interests outside of the home.

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One income for a household went a lot farther in 1981 than it does today.

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I could see how it would at that time but you'd be surprised in this day and age how many women who don't work have nannies. Makes no sense to me.

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I think it makes perfect sense if you don't enjoy housework, can't cook, and can afford to pay someone else to do it. Why not?

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The nannys/maids in the movies are almost ALWAYS Hispanic.

Stereotype that needs to STOP.


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I think it's because A: The one income household was a big income. Vance worked a big job (remember the beginning where he talked about traveling?) where he went to work everyday in a suit and tie. Obviously he was being paid very well. B: Pat probably needed Concepcion for help around the house (cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, taking care of Skip the dog, watching the children, taking care of the children, etc.) not to mention those kids were incredibly obnoxious. Also, Pat had that get together at her house in the beginning when they got covered in Galaxy Glue. She obviously was a hostess with the mostess since everyone in the neighborhood knew her and she threw those parties. Finally C: she needed the extra time to spend with her kids and husband. They were both very romantic and liked to spend time with each other. They could afford a nanny and it gave Pat spare time for things, that's probably why she was there. Of course, also to add plot development lol

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she didn't need her. that was her husband's bang-maid.

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I think it was more unusual back then especially.

-LeLu

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Given that the minimum hourly wage when this was filmed was $2.60, they probably paid Concepcion $1.50.

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