Hello!

I am a sophomore student at Elon College and I am currently working on a report about the changing roles of women in the work force. I need more information about how the role of women in the workplace has changed over the last 30 or 40 years. I would really appreciate it if you could point me in the right direction. I would love your help in getting some more information.

Sincerely,
Alaina

Dear Alaina,

Over the past 30-40 years there have been dramatic changes in the role of women in the workforce. For instance, women have entered careers that have previously been shut off to them, like being construction workers and astronauts . There is an organization, Non-Traditional Employment for Women - which can give you more information on this.

The pay gap between women and men in the same jobs has narrowed. This is thanks to an Equal Pay Act as well as to the work of organizations like the National Committee on Pay Equity.

Women have organized themselves into Unions or put their concerns on the Unions' agendas so as to ensure that their employee concerns are addressed. For instance, 9to5: The National Assocation for Working Women operates like a union for secretaries. There is also a women's division with the AFL-CIO, the largest union. Women have entered more powerful positions with America's elite institution- see Catalyst's website for more information on this.

In general, the climate is much better for women workers, in part because there are more watchdog groups - like Working Woman Magazine. I hope that helps. Good luck.

Amy