Over the last few years we have seen a sharp decline in the number of women entering the workforce. It is being reported that for the first time since the women’s movement of the 60’s the percentage of working women has fallen rather than risen. Analysts have been chalking it all up to women making the choice to be stay-at-home moms.
In 2000 we were seeing a strong 75 percent of women finding jobs in the workforce. Since then, we have dropped down two percentage points and now stand at 73 percent. You may not think 2 percentage points sounds like a big decline, but that 2 percent represents 4 million women who are currently unemployed.
A recent article from ABC News reports on the latest congressional study’s findings that the failing economy is to blame for the decline of women in the workforce. This is in direct contradiction to the experts’ earlier theories that women were simply deciding to stay home to raise families. In fact, they found the decline affected all women regardless of marital status, educational background, race, etc.
The study also found that one of the biggest reasons women are leaving the workforce at such a high rate is due to drops in their pay. According to the Economic Policy Institute, the average pay for women has gone down from $15.04 in 2004 to $14.84 today.
The founder and president of a company called Executive Moms, Marisa Thalberg, discussed the recent congressional study. She said, “The economy is an equal opportunity offender. If anything, this study should debunk the notion that women go out the workforce just to raise children. It’s not a pure emotional decision (to leave the workforce.) For many women, there’s as much pressure as any man would feel to be the breadwinner.”
What do you think of the latest findings that the economy is to blame for women leaving the workforce?
Do you think there is as much pressure on women as men to be the breadwinner in the family?
I had been hired to work at home as a reservationist for a major hotel chain and had 7 weeks of onsite training and the first day of the 5th week of training the General Manager came in and let all of the training classes go because of the economy. I was so sad, this was the first job I had in 27 years because I have a adult Down Syndrome son who lives with my hubby and I and this was a perfect opportunity for me and for the family to have a little extra income.
erica_cal::
on Nov 22, 2008
I am kind of scared by the lack of reasoning on this discussion. Why shouldn't congress study women? We are HALF of the population, not 2%. And where is the definitive evidence that it is always good for a mom to stay home with the kids? I need evidence of this. I see so many mothers who stay at home who seem miserable, are home all day yet interact with their kids very little, and all around have bad attitudes. Their kids are not well taken care of and would be better off in day care or with the grandparents part of the time. Whether or not a parent should stay at home depends on the personality and abilities of the individual, and not all women are cut out for full time child care.
Love2fly::
on Nov 23, 2008
The economy is not good, and I to am scared, I look that fear in the eyes everyday wondering how will I pay my bills, or house payment if my job was gone. ~~~~ I am the only income in this house, divorced over seven years. ~~~ I have to tell myself it will be okay and speak with God. I sure hope he hears my prayers.
Cassiesul84::
on Jan 15, 2009
The reason why two people have to work now is because, when women starting joining the work force...men's pay started to drop, it continued to plumet and now...what a man used to make is what a man & women make combined! Not to mentioned the added cost of childcare and unhappy children. Wasn't the best move we could have made!
Cassiesul84::
on Jan 15, 2009
I stay at home with my 14 month old daughter. Before I got pregnant and had a child I worked for 6 years and attended college, but I put things on hold for her. It's so much better to see her happy and I know that she's not being neglected or abused! When she gets older...I'll pick back up!
KsFoodie::
on Jan 27, 2009
Of course "the economy is to blame for women leaving the workforce." Jobs are being eliminated everywhere. Period. My job was one of those recently lost and I have to find full time work with benefits or my husband and I will have no health insurance whatsoever. Unfortunately, many employers would rather offer part-time jobs so they don't have to pay benefits. Statistics are misleading because they don't take into account all the many, many people who are under-employed but still working.
scalcagno::
on Jun 13, 2009
We live in a patriarchal society. Though gaps between male and female roles in society have shrunk, men are still seen as the breadwinners. However, I think it would be interesting to compare statistics of women out of work compared to men who are out of their jobs before making any assumptions. Many people - both men and women - have been losing jobs lately.
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on Oct 31, 2009
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