> The percentage of women in the workplace is on the rise since hitting
> an all time low in March of 2005. Social Science experts think the
> drop was due to a cultural shift. Those women that are now going back
> to work are considered to be part of the baby boomer generation that
> should be heading into retirement.

> In contrast, some scholars are now saying that a younger generation of
> women who were raised by working mothers are less likely to pursue a
> career while raising a family. But that does not really seem to be the
> case. In July, 60.8% of women age 20 and older were working or seeking
> employment. That is a pretty good percentage since the last highs were
> in April of 2000 and June 2003. Then the all-time peak was at 61%. The
> number had fallen to 60% in March of 2005 so as we can see, there has
> been a small increase.

> The fact that women have declined in the work force is a very
> important discussion. Vicky Lovell, of the Institute for Women's
> Policy Research, said “women have been the workers fueling economic
> growth”. So this increase, no matter how small is definitely a step
> forward. But there is a great deal of concern that this increase could
> just be a short term situation.

> In addition, there is concern that employers are not as receptive to
> making policies that help women balance work and family. For example,
> only the larger corporations or even hospitals are likely to provide
> child care assistance, compressed work weeks, or job sharing for those
> returning from maternity leave. That is just the tip of the ice berg,
> finding a job that is flexible for a mother is difficult in itself. If
> the mother has an infant, finding a baby sitter can be even more
> stressful. For those baby boomer, being able to make necessary doctors
> appointments or running errands

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