Beyond Diapers: Reframing Need as a Symptom of Systemic Inequality

By Brian Nelson

Nearly half of U.S. families struggle to afford diapers – a seemingly basic necessity with surprisingly profound implications. But a new collaborative research effort from the FrameWorks Institute and the National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN) argues that framing this hardship as a matter of individual failings obscures a much larger problem: a systemic economic structure that leaves millions unable to afford basic needs.

The research, released earlier this month, reveals a disconnect between public perception and the underlying causes of “diaper need.” While many recognize the financial burdens facing families, few connect this to broader issues of income inequality, the rising cost of childcare, and stagnant wages. This disconnect, experts say, hinders effective policymaking and limits the potential for lasting solutions.

“We’ve been working on this issue for over a decade, and it became clear that simply providing diapers, while essential in the short term, wasn’t addressing the root causes,” explains Joanne Samuel Goldblum, CEO of the NDBN. “This research validated our suspicion that the way we talk about diaper need was actually part of the problem.”

The Framing Problem

The FrameWorks Institute, specializing in strategic communication research, conducted extensive testing of various messaging approaches. Their analysis revealed that framing diaper need as an individual failing – suggesting parents are mismanaging their finances or making poor choices – is not only ineffective but actively reinforces harmful stereotypes.

“When people hear that it's about ‘personal responsibility,’ they tend to blame the families experiencing hardship and are less likely to support solutions,” says a researcher involved in the FrameWorks study (name withheld to protect anonymity). “It triggers negative assumptions and hinders empathy.”

The research demonstrates that more effective messaging focuses on framing diaper need as a public health issue – connecting it to increased rates of diaper rash, urinary tract infections, and parental stress – and an economic barrier that prevents parents from working or attending job training. Highlighting the moral imperative – the belief that every child deserves basic necessities – also proved to be a powerful motivator.

Beyond Charity: A Systemic Issue

The link between economic inequality and basic needs insecurity is becoming increasingly apparent. According to the Economic Policy Institute, the cost of raising a child has risen significantly in recent decades, outpacing wage growth for many families. The increasing cost of childcare, in particular, puts a tremendous strain on household budgets.

“It’s not just about the price of diapers,” explains one parent who receives assistance from a local diaper bank (name withheld for anonymity). “It’s about juggling rent, food, healthcare, and everything else. Sometimes, you have to make difficult choices, and diapers can feel like a luxury when you're just trying to survive.”

The consequences of diaper need extend beyond the immediate hardship for families. Children experiencing diaper rash are more likely to miss daycare or preschool, hindering their early development. Parents struggling to afford diapers may be forced to leave their jobs or delay returning to work, creating a cycle of poverty.

“Diaper need isn't just a family issue; it's a community issue,” says a social worker who assists families in need (name withheld). “When parents are struggling, it impacts everything – their ability to work, their children’s education, and the overall health of our communities.”

Lessons from Abroad

While the U.S. largely relies on charitable organizations to address diaper need, other developed nations have adopted more comprehensive approaches. Countries like Canada, the UK, and Germany provide subsidies for childcare and period products, recognizing that access to these basic necessities is essential for economic participation and social well-being.

“We can learn a lot from other countries,” says Goldblum. “Providing a safety net for families isn’t just a matter of compassion; it’s a smart economic investment.”

Reframing the Conversation

The research suggests that a shift in narrative is crucial. Instead of framing diaper need as a charitable cause, it needs to be recognized as a symptom of a broken economic system. This requires policymakers, advocates, and the media to adopt language that emphasizes systemic issues rather than individual failings.

“We need to talk about wages, affordable childcare, and the rising cost of living,” says the FrameWorks researcher. “If we continue to focus on individual responsibility, we’ll never address the root causes of this problem.”

The NDBN is already incorporating these findings into its advocacy efforts, working with policymakers to promote policies that address economic inequality and support families in need. They are also collaborating with media outlets to ensure that coverage of diaper need is accurate and nuanced.

“This isn't just about providing diapers; it's about creating a society where every child has the opportunity to thrive,” concludes Goldblum. “And that requires a fundamental shift in how we think about and address basic needs insecurity.”

The research serves as a powerful reminder that even the most basic necessities can be deeply intertwined with systemic issues. By reframing the conversation and addressing the root causes of diaper need, we can move beyond charity and create lasting solutions that benefit all families and communities.