But I do feel like daycare/preschool brings us closer to the traditional "it takes a village" model of raising a child, rather than the isolated 1950s suburban housewife model.
So it's not all about economic efficiencies, but also the value that society gets out of it. A child is socialised with other kids, and learns from adults other than their parents too.
Our 2.5 year old does 4 hour preschool 2 days a week for social exposure etc. And other activities throughout the week.
> rather than the isolated 1950s suburban housewife model
I'll note, people give the 1950s crap, but actually my parents in the 50s spent the entire day outside running around the neighborhood with friends. Kids in the 50s were vastly healthier socially than kids today.
No they weren't. Your parents just lived in a location where their socio-economic status and urban planning supported running around and playing all day. Their parents decided to build suburbs without sidewalks, mass transit availability, or stoops/porches. They did this to keep those people out. Your parents got to enjoy better urban planning as children than you and your kids.
depends on your race, if we're being blunt. certain other neighborhoods were "running around the neighborhood" in a completely different context.
social aspects aside, sure. I wouldn't mind the pendulum shifting away from the helicopter parent spectrum, but it really depends on your location. It could work in my current locattion, but not at most of my previous residences.