The papers discuss the social and economic forces that have enabled women to explore new and expanding roles, and examine the profound effect the resulting changes are having and will continue to have on the economic and social potential of our nation. "Looking Backward in Order to Look Forward: Women, Work, and Social Values in America" puts the topic in perspective. The causes and implications of changes in women's participation in the labor force are discussed in "Family and Work: The Social Life Cycle of Women." The importance to the family of decisions relating to allocation of time and the need for imputing a value to home services and free time are the focus of "Home Work, Market Work, and the Allocation of Time.""Women in Work Organizations" shows the division of the labor market into men's and women's jobs as it operates in a large private firm. Some consequences of women's greater financial independence are analyzed in "Implications of Women's Employment for Home and Family Life.""Impact of Equal Opportunity Laws" finds some impetus towards equal opportunity, while "Requisites for Equality" urges greater political participation by women to bring about measures assuring more equitable treatment. The collection closes with "The Economy Ahead of Us: Will Women Have Different Roles." (SA)