by
Carl Hampton09/14/2006 
The percentage of women in the workplace
is on the rise since hitting an all time low
in March of 2005. Social Science experts
think the drop was due to a cultural shift.
Those women that are now going back to work
are considered to be part of the baby boomer
generation that should be heading into
retirement.
In contrast, some scholars are now saying
that a younger generation of women who were
raised by working mothers are less likely to
pursue a career while raising a family. But
that does not really seem to be the case. In
July, 60.8% of women age 20 and older were
working or seeking employment. That is a
pretty good percentage since the last highs
were in April of 2000 and June 2003. Then
the all-time peak was at 61%. The number had
fallen to 60% in March of 2005 so as we can
see, there has been a small increase.
The fact that women have declined in the
work force is a very important discussion.
Vicky Lovell, of the Institute for Women's
Policy Research, said “women have been the
workers fueling economic growth”. So this
increase, no matter how small is definitely
a step forward. But there is a great deal of
concern that this increase could just be a
short term situation.
In addition, there is concern that employers
are not as receptive to making policies that
help women balance work and family. For
example, only the larger corporations or
even hospitals are likely to provide child
care assistance, compressed work weeks, or
job sharing for those returning from
maternity leave. That is just the tip of the
ice berg, finding a job that is flexible for
a mother is difficult in itself. If the
mother has an infant, finding a baby sitter
can be even more stressful. For those baby
boomer, being able to make necessary doctors
appointments or running errands conflict
with a full time working schedule.
The main point here is women are returning
back to work and that is definitely a good
thing when it comes to economic growth for
the U.S.
Have an opinion or a question you would like
me to answer, then write me!
http://www.CarlHampton.com
