Government being twice as big doesn't explain why paychecks today are half as much and shrinking in worth. Last I knew, paychecks are issued by companies being worked for.. not the government. And the companies continually seek to make people work for less and do more for it.
Look at the statistics. Paychecks have not been shrinking (on average, anyway - your milage may vary) while government has grown to at least twice the share of GDP it had in the 1950's.
Cut government in half and you will not only be able to afford to have the wife stay home, but your job will pay better and the whole economy will grow faster, too.
The combined governmental tax rate is 57%. Our family gross income is $55,000. Subtract the tax rate (-$23,650), and we're left with a net income of $31,350.
I think poverty level for a family of 4 is $32,000, so we're actually taxed back to poverty level by our own governments!
We are also left with the choice of either trying to squeak by, or making up the difference by having a second income.
Gee THANKS, Uncle Sam!