Statistics: Then and Now

According to an article on About.com, statistics from 1950 to 1998 show a big difference in numbers of women in the work force from then to now. In 1950, only about one out of three women were employed outside of the home, but by 1998, that number rose to about every three out of five women were in the work force. Checking statistics from the U.S. Department of Labor from 1950 to 1998, these results were given:

63.3 percent of women age 16 to 24 worked in 1998 versus 43.9 percent in 1950.

76.3 percent of women age 25 to 34 worked in 1998 versus 34.0 percent in 1950.

77.1 percent of women age 35 to 44 worked in 1998 versus 39.1 percent in 1950.

76.2 percent of women age 45 to 54 worked in 1998 versus 37.9 percent in 1950.

51.2 percent of women age 55 to 64 worked in 1998 versus 27 percent in 1950.

8.6 percent of women age 65+ worked in 1998 versus 9.7 percent in 1950.

The U.S. Department of Labor has predicted that by this year, women will make up 48% of the work force, where in 1950 women only made up about 45% of the work force.

Employers Can Help Lessen The Problem

Some women would prefer to stay in their home to be a homemaker, but some also want to work. Employers can contribute to achieving both homemaker and employee status by allowing women to work from home. To keep things equal, this status could also be allowed for men. More job sites and work places could allow for child care for women who want to work outside of the home. Employers should also try not to hold any bias against women. Employers should not jump to the conclusion that a women will easily give up her job once she is married or begins to start a family. Another problem that could prompt a women to be more likely to leave her place of employment is sexual harrassment. If a women reports a problem of sexual harrassment, it should be taken seriously and given attention to. "Employers need to pay more attention to the Equal Employment Opportunity guidelines" (Heathfield). These guidelines exist for a reason! Not only women realize a need for the equality, men, minorities, and even the elderly realize the necessity for equal rights in the workplace!!