Families across the United States must routinely make difficult choices about child care arrangements because of the need to resume a job, continue an education or training program, or care for other family members. Leaving children in the care of others for the first time can be difficult (Sayer, Bianchi, & Robinson, 2004; Van Horn, Ramey,…

The author states that American women have become divided into two groups--those who subscribe to a philosophy of gender differentiation, and those who subscribe to a philosophy of gender irrelevance. She pursues these differing philosophies in light of women's career transitions. (CT)

Recent trends in U.S. families include increased numbers of single-parent families, stepfamilies, teen pregnancies, working mothers, and children living in poverty. Public policy should focus on affordable housing, access to health and child care, education and job training, and jobs that provide adequate income. (SK)

Reacts to two points in an article by Felice Schwartz that has drawn reactions from a variety of sources: (1) the cost of employing women is greater than that of employing men, and (2) to reduce this cost, corporations should provide more flexible arrangements for women who want to combine career and family. (JOW)

Postponed childbearing increases the likelihood that the responsibility for caring for frail elderly parents will coincide with the period of active mothering. A woman who is 40 at the time she first becomes a mother may easily have parents or other family members over the age of 65, or even over 85 years of age. Noting that 44 percent of women…

In his article "The 'Effects' of Infant Day Care Reconsidered," Jay Belsky (see PS 017 108) concludes that maternal employment puts infants at risk for developing emotional insecurity and social maladjustment. After a review of Belsky's and other research, a different conclusion is offered in this paper. It is agreed that infants whose…

Discusses the status of women in contemporary Japan. Describes their role as mothers and homemakers, the obstacles they face in maintaining developing careers, and the discrimination they face in a patriarchal society. (Author/ABB)

A study examined the factors influencing the participation in the labor market of 150 women with young children, including their aims, training needs, and constraints. Their self-perceived employment needs were related to the policies and practices of employers and trade unions. (JOW)

The question of whether recipients of Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) can reasonably be expected to work full time year-round given their available employment opportunities and living conditions was examined in a ongoing study. The study used the U.S. Bureau of the Census' Survey of Income and Program Participation to develop a…

Two areas of social action in developing nations that have received attention in the last decade are the survival and healthy development of children, and the social and economic well-being of women. In both areas, there has been concern about the relation between women's work and child welfare, but from two different points of view. One view…

Examines explanations for lower fertility rates including direct and opportunity costs. Considers things one forgoes to have children, including earnings, work and nonwork time, and type of job. Argues that women limit their fertility or remain childless for the symbolic significance of childbearing and their lifestyles, reflecting their view of…

As women become more independent, the responsibility for family care of children and elderly dependents is being shared by public or private out of home services. It is important, however, that the personal element of care not be lost. (Author/AOS)

While professional women may experience their "dual careers" at home and at work as a source of inner fragmentation, this fragmentation can be a vehicle for developing a greater sense of personhood. Recent data show that women who combine work, marriage, and motherhood are experiencing more general psychological well being than are other women.…

Describes several career and family issues that may arise for adults and suggests possible counseling interventions. Several assumptions are made about the work/family connection: renegotiation of work/family balance continues throughout work life; a variety of demographic variables affect work/family roles; and some issues relate more to roles…

Discusses the possibilities for homeownership by female heads of household, taking into consideration recent demographic trends, income, sex discrimination, mortgage financing, and the continuing surge of housing costs and interest rates. Special federal housing programs are helping only a few women to purchase homes. (CT)