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Author: O'Brien, Theresa
Resulting in 1 citation.
1. Shaw, Lois B.
O'Brien, Theresa
Introduction and Overview
In: Unplanned Careers: The Working Lives of Middle-Aged Women. L.B. Shaw, ed. Lexington, MA: Lexington Books, 1983
Cohort(s): Mature Women
Publisher: Jossey-Bass
Keyword(s): Educational Attainment; Employment; Family Income; Marital Status; Occupational Attainment; Unemployment; Wages; Work History

Permission to reprint the abstract has not been received from the publisher.

This chapter describes broad changes in the family circumstances, attitudes, and employment of middle-aged women over the ten-year period 1967-1977. During this period, over 80 percent of white women and 90 percent of black women worked at some time. About 35 percent of white women and 45 percent of black women worked fairly continuously throughout the ten years, but sporadic work patterns were also common. Women who worked continuously over the decade had real-wage gains of about 15 percent. However, women who reentered the labor force or worked sporadically were no better off in 1977 than the average female worker in 1967. The growing employment of women is important for their families and society. The percentage of families in poverty was reduced by at least 50 percent because of the contribution of working wives.
Bibliography Citation
Shaw, Lois B. and Theresa O'Brien. "Introduction and Overview" In: Unplanned Careers: The Working Lives of Middle-Aged Women. L.B. Shaw, ed. Lexington, MA: Lexington Books, 1983