Book Description

The articles in this reader are highly accessible to undergraduates. Paula J. Dubeck and Dana Dunn's interdisciplinary approach offers a social-science emphasis, documenting important trends in women's work lives with quantitative and qualitative evidence from both scholarly and journalistic sources. The new edition probes the continuing challenges that women face as they enter and participate in the world of work. The new readings illuminate factors that influence women's preparation for work and the occupations they choose. The articles also demonstrate the challenges women encounter in the workplace and in seeking to balance the demands of work and family life. Work experiences of diverse groups of women highlight both their unique experiences and the similarity of experiences that cross-cut racial and ethnic identity. In addition, this anthology provides an examination and assessment of a number of policies that have developed as a response to the changing labor force participation of women over the past three decades. Reflecting the dynamic nature of the field, nearly half of the readings are new. pursuing math-related careers. In Unit Two, issues surrounding the glass ceiling are examined from the divergent perspectives of CEOs and high-achieving women, showing how these competing perspectives are misaligned. Unit Three includes a selection focusing on women who choose to leave high-status, high-demand careers (off-ramping) for family reasons. In Unit Four, the readings on employment experiences are updated and presented through the eyes of a broad array of women, including African American, Latina, and immigrant women. In Unit Five, selections offer an assessment of policies that directly affect working women and their careers. Major concepts are highlighted and explained in the introductions to the units, which also provide background information. Food for Thought and Application questions at the end of each reading are included to encourage the synthesis of information and to explore possible solutions to some of women's most vexing problems in today's workplace. women and work, including labor-force participation rates, earnings, the wage gap, occupational concentration and family-work data.