I always wondered, if you took women out of the workforce, this would reduce the available supply of labor, which should in theory, drive wages up. Would it be feasible?
Also, consider all the extra costs you incur in order to support both spouses working: extra transportation costs, daycare costs, clothing, etc. And do you really get all that much out of that second salary?
It depends on how much the wife makes.
In my case, my wife was a well paid RN. She made more money than me for many years of our life together.
Her working made the difference in us being able to afford a house and make the mortgage. Without her income, we would not have had the house we raised our children in.
Everyone’s situation is different, of course. If the wife makes only minimum wage, is not trained or qualified for better paying jobs, then her working may not make sense.