ABSTRACT
The traditional belief that it is better for men to earn the money in the family and women to take care of the home and children has changed over time. As shown in Figure 12.1 , whereas 52% of women and 74% of men endorsed this belief in 1977, the numbers decreased to 39% of women and 42% of men by 2008 (Galinsky, Aumann, & Bond, 2009). The numbers not only changed but the sex difference greatly decreased. On the other hand, it is remarkable that over a third of
Whereas women’s labor force participation has increased since 1975, the participation rate for men has decreased. The reason is unemployment. Historically, women had higher unemployment rates than men, but the recent economic turndown has led to a greater increase in unemployment among men than women (Galinsky et al., 2009). Men are employed in industries that have suffered the greatest job loss. In June of 2010, the unemployment rates for White men and women were 9% and 7%, respectively. The corresponding figures for Black men and women were higher-17% and 12%, respectively.
