Working Women


Only a decade or so ago, working women were the exception rather than the rule. Women working was not a new idea, but it was one that was almost completely replaced during the 1950s. In that time, the new American post-war prosperity led to this ideology that women's work was in the home and not in the office. Jobs for women dwindled to a few services such as secretary and teacher. Outside of those industries, there were few opportunities for working women.

It really is nice to see how things have changed in the last few years. Don't get me wrong, there is still a long way to go, but even so things are looking up for working women in the 21st century. More women are going to college and completing it then men, and women are working in high-tech fields in greater numbers than ever before. Salaries are up, dropout rates are down, and it seems that working women have a bright future.

Almost all the females I know are working women. The interesting thing is that they tend to be actually more successful than many of the men I know. Most of them are in pretty cutting-edge industries and making excellent career salaries. They do not have to deal with workplace harassment, they get paid fairly well, and in general are making good lives for themselves because of a greater degree of equality than our society has ever had before.

Nonetheless, there are still things that need to be changed. Working women still get less money for the work than men do. Many women are discouraged early on from pursuing high-tech careers because of entrenched cultural stereotypes that say that women aren't as good at math or science. Although the stereotypes are not true, they still hold some power over many young women and girls, keeping them away from scientific careers that might be better for them.

Even so, there is reason for hope. When you look at how far things have changed in the past 50 years, it really is like we live in a completely different world. It might take another generation or two for things to even out completely, but I have full confidence they will. Now that they have a taste for equality, they will continue to fight for it until it is theirs completely. I say more power to them! The day of the working woman is at hand.