Assess the situation of women in the labor force and include a discussion of inflexible full-time work or part-time penalty that often affects women. What solutions do other countries propose? Would these solutions work in the United States?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The ideal answer should include:
1. As the shift occurred from manufacturing to service work, one of the most significant changes in the labor force was the enormous increase in the number of married women, especially those with children, as paid workers.
2. Today, over two-thirds of married mothers are employed outside the home for pay, as are three-quarters of unmarried mothers. These trends have remained relatively stable.
3. Part of parents' tension over balancing work and family is due to an increasing work week with little control over working conditions.
4. Workers who go part-time or to a nonstandard (temporary, contract) route earn much less than regular full-time workers. They are also less likely to receive a pension, health insurance, or other benefits.
5. Many other countries prohibit employers from treating part-time workers less favorably than comparable full-time workers.