ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the past experience of women—with a focus on black women—in employment and training programs. In spite of the fact that women have been underrepresented in these programs and often steered toward training in "traditionally female" occupations, they exhibit higher postprogram earnings gains than males. The participation of blacks and women in employment and training programs, and in particular components within these programs, is analyzed. The chapter presents a discussion of measured outcomes and their meaning. It details an analysis of the extent to which these programs might have contributed to the self-sufficiency of black women. The chapter deals with a discussion of needed future research and implications for future policy. The Manpower Demonstration and Training Act (MDTA)—passed in 1962—is generally credited with producing the first employment and training program. The MDTA was followed by a number of other job programs as a part of the "Great Society" initiatives in the 1960s.
