I often said prices went up in the 80’s because of the double income families and people knew people would pay more. And it inched itself into almost NEEDING a double income. Alot of families could sacrifice for less income, but we all know they won’t.
I wouldn’t be surprised if it was a combination of both.
Governments have increased their tax burden onto the very backs of the moms that were encouraged to work outside the home. Between the two, it has made it very hard for one to stay home. I have, but that was because I woke up in time and didn’t stay working once I married. But I truly sympathize with the moms who really didn’t know that they would want to stay home with their babies, and had a mountain of financial obligations that were tough to change or get out of. They got stuck.