ABSTRACT
Two questions loom large in the realm of women’s achievement motivation and power. One concerns the persistent and impressive differences between men and women. The other concerns the presumed “woman’s revolution” in which a new breed of women is said to have been created. This chapter addresses both these questions through the analyses of data drawn from a three-generational sample. The sociobiologists’ scenario presents sex differences in achievement as beneficial to survival of the species in that men can carry on the economic work, women the procreative and nurturant work. A basic tenet of the historical-change hypothesis is that working in the “job market” instead of the home is the path to women’s achievement and power. To do justice to achievement strivings of women, it is necessary to use a more complex model and method than one based upon grades and wealth. Generational changes for women, however, have a different aspect than those for men.
