During World War II, the amount of women in the labor force within the United States increased. Between 1970-80s, 43 percent of women were employed (Toossi, 2002). Women began holding positions outside of the home. Some of the positions included farms and domestic, factory, clerical work and other profession such as teachers, nurses and more (Fullerton, 1999). Eventually as years progressed, women achieved employment in other diversified industries. Due to this gradual change, they had to adapt as a homemaker and an income earner. It was not easy for women to uphold their positions especially those who were mothers. The monthly review (2002) indicated that in 1975, 39 percent of women with children under age six were employed. Therefore, it was common for women to have to balance both roles while caring for the medical needs of their family members, and themselves in order to have a job. The department of labor made it difficult for women to maintain employment while carrying on their roles as a caretaker. In the years 1959-1990, working women were 40 percent more likely to be in poverty than men (Bruner, Crawford & Discher 2009). Employment programs offered like Comprehensive Employment and Training Act) (CETA) and the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) that were set out to alleviate …show more content…
How widespread is it? During the time, the traditional role of women as the homemaker was changing. However, it brought more issues for women in the labor force.The problem of work and family balance essentially impacted women and their counterparts, therefore impacting everyone in the U.S on a various levels. Women who were working and had children were mainly discriminated at work. Individual companies and states possessed their own rules and regulations that could cater toward employees’ who have families but, there was no national mandated law for them to require leave for employees to take care of their domestic needs. 3. How many people are