Some argue that the "system" exacerbates inequality because rich (maybe including middle class) people can afford to hire people and services to cover for when

Some argue that the "system" exacerbates inequality because rich (maybe including middle class) people can afford to hire people and services to cover for when their personal desires interfere with their kids' development. That is, rich people can hire nannies, drivers, coaches, tutors, move to safer neighborhoods (less time spent on teaching Junior how to not get mugged or killed), and install security systems. They can upgrade old-and-maybe-not-safe foods and products with expensive better-safe-than-sorry alternatives. Even given the premise that all of this is the middle class coming down to Earth, going forward, it's another question entirely if families are generally better off with an at-home parent.