What Women Want

The New York Times did the follow-up story, "What Women Want," after the 1972 cover story concerning Americans' reaction to the Women's Liberation Movement.

Here are a few interesting statistics: 
1972-7% of high school athletes girls  2010-42% 
1972-60/40 of men and women on college campuses    2010-40/60 of men and women 
1970s-majority of kids had stay at home parent   2010-less than 1/3 
1972-10% of law and medical degrees for women  2010-50% of degrees
    50% of Ivy League Presidents 
    3 of 4 most recent Secretaries of State 
    40% breadwinners  
    65% financial planners for their families  
    71% family accountant  
    75% buying decisions for the family 
    70% of kids have working mother
   working for themselves doubled from 1979 and 2003 
   35% of self-employed people (last 2 statistics from The Unfinished Revolution)  
   10% of civil engineers   
    1/3 of physicians and surgeons   
    98% of kindergarten teachers and dental assistants  
    earn 77 cents on the dollar compared with men (2010)  
   earnings dropped 2% in 2008 (double the change in men's earnings)  
   32% more likely to have sub-prime mortgages
    children born to single mothers from 12% to 39% 

Complete NY Times Story and Statistics

Somethings changed, somethings didn't:

Interestingly enough, the Times also found 76% of men and 80% of women viewed the change to women working outside the home as positive. That statistic is regardless of race, age and political ideology.

The article also explains that numerous surveys convey the same message: as women have gained more freedom, education, and opportunities, there has been a general decline in their happiness. This could be interpreted, as the article says, that the movement was not about happiness; it could also be that society and individuals have changed their ideas of happiness.

On each side of the issue, it's still easy to have labels and stereotypes: men who resent women, women who think men still have greater advantages. While some of this is true, it seems that the political and social atmosphere has changed and both sexes are more open to the new dynamics. But depending on how, when, and where you were raised, you will probably each have a different perspective on the issue.

Personal Note:

I watched my parents celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary last year. Growing up, I knew that my parents had an equal relationship. My mom didn't work until my sister and I were in middle school, but that was her choice. The reason was the kids spent less time at home and there was less for her to be involved in (school PTA, yearbook, etc). She wanted the chance to do something different. At no time did my father say she couldn't work (she wanted to be a stay-at-home mom), and her working was not concerned with money. 

Take it for what you will, but I enjoyed having my mom around when I was a kid. Even after she started working, she was always home when we finished school. Looking to my future, I think a similar plan would be good for me: yes, I want kids and I want both parents to be involved in raising them. Both of my parents were part of everything that ever happened to me. I realize I was blessed to have them there, because not everyone has that opportunity.

To conclude, have things changed since the 1970s? Yes. Society is constantly evolving and are women gaining momentum. It will be interesting to see where we are another 35 years from now.