If child care centres are available only in expensive private sector what effect can it have on poor working women?

Correct answer: They may be excluded from child-care services and their work participation may decline.

Expensive private child-care centres may be unaffordable for poor working women. Without reliable and affordable care, they may have to reduce work hours, take irregular work, or leave employment, lowering their labour-force participation. Better private services do not automatically raise wages. Exam tip: link the availability and affordability of care services with women’s employment opportunities.