According to this CBS News article women now make up half of the overall workforce — a statistic that’s largely attributed (at least lately) to a recession that’s been hitting male-dominated industries the hardest. Stay-at-home dads are becoming more and more common, with as much as 40% of American households now reporting the wife as the primary breadwinner.
So what are your feelings about this? Women make up at least half of the total population (more than that in some areas) so it makes sense that we would also be half of the workforce. And yet, it is only now, in 2009, that this has become true. The really sad part, though, is that women still only earn 77 cents for every dollar a man does, so apparently there’s a lot of households out there making less than they should be. Not a help to the economy at all I’m sure.
Personally, I think it’s great that women are becoming a more influential force in the world (we are awesome, after all!) and having options is always a good thing, but I just want it to be for the right reasons. Working outside the home full-time because you love it and feel satisfied by it is one thing — being forced to pick up shifts and miss out on time with your kids because the economy sucks and your husband got laid off is something else altogether.
(Photo courtesy of gcoldironjr2003 on Flickr)
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Comments
Amanda Pendolino
October 30th, 2009 - 1:06:38 PM
I once read a study that said that women are much more afraid to ask for rasies and negotiate competitive salaries than men are. While men view negotiating in the same vein as watching sporting event, women compare it to going to the dentist. It seems to be in our nature to settle for less rather than to stand up and demand to be paid what we're worth. So it's not always that there are sexist bosses or anything like that. Stand up and demand the money you're worth and maybe this statistic will change!
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Jenna
November 2nd, 2009 - 1:52:03 PM
It would be nice if we could all do what we *want* to do, whatever the career choice (or lack of one). Unfortunately, in these times, wants have quickly been replaced by needs. And needs aren't nearly as picky. So, sure, down the line it'd be nice if every wannabe house wife could be one, but for now, it's hard to sympathize with someone (anyone) who is currently holding a job. Not such a bad place to be. Plus, it's more than about time that men take a little time doing the housework.
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