Compare and contrast what the scarcity hypothesis and the expansionist hypothesis would say to a woman who is considering adopting a baby. She is already happily married, is 35 years old, and has a successful career.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The scarcity hypothesis would discourage this woman to become a mother because it assumes that each person has a fixed amount of energy and that any role makes demands on this pool of energy. Therefore, if she adds another role of being a mother, a role that demands much energy and time, the greater the strain on her energy and the more negative consequences on her well-being. However, the expansionist hypothesis would encourage this woman to add the role of mother, as it assumes that people’s energy resources are not limited and that multiple roles can have benefits for well-being. According to this approach, adding mother to this woman’s identity and roles will provide her more opportunities for enhanced self-esteem, stimulation, social status, and identity.