Women in America: 2009
Yesterday’s Meet The Press on NBC showcased the new Shriver Report, entitled “A Woman’s Nation.” The roundtable discussion was lively and focused on American families, how women are often out-earning their husbands in the U.S. (even while still earning less for the same jobs), and the issues the modern family faces (child care and elder care, in addition to heath care).
It was interesting to hear David Gregory, the moderator, say his wife out-earned him – which he didn’t have a problem with – and how he recently went into his female boss saying that with his wife traveling more for work, he needed greater flexibility in his hours. Flexibility was a theme throughout the discussion; a high priority for most American workers.
And while I found this discussion fascinating, what I really found of interest was the “Meet The Press Minute,” from 1972, featuring Gloria Steinem. I began working about a decade after this interview, and it’s like it was a different century. I’ve always been grateful to the women who paved the way before me, but this (cold) “blast from the past” reminds us all that society evolves based on our thoughts and actions. As corporations and individuals, we can make a difference.
To watch, click visit: http://tinyurl.com/yhls8cy.
Tags: Culture
Oct 20, 2009
Caryn,
I was lucky to catch this segment of the program and as a working woman with a family this was of particular interest. What hit home the most with me and my family is that women have entered into the workforce and still remain the primary figure in our children’s lives. We may not be the primary caregiver because of nannies and added help but when it comes to mom or dad it is still mom first in many households. This is something that David Gregory also implied when he was talking about the reactions his children have to when their mother leaves or comes home; suggesting that she gets a bigger reception. I believe that this is true because women are nurturers and although men learn many things to make them equal contributors in home life this is not a trait that can be learned by most or that is inherent in most men. So women will continue to be the go to person in the home and they will continue to be the go to person in the office; because lets face it – women get the job done and done right;^)
Oct 21, 2009
Anna, as I know you and your family, I do need to say that you have an involved husband, even if he’s traveling quite a bit of the time. I wonder how it is for those less involved wives!