An implicit redefinition of the roles of women in U.S. society is among the most important social and cultural transformations of the past several decades. There is now a broader acceptance of the involvement of women in activities beyond those of wife and mother and consequently, the array of options available to American women is wider than ever before. Gains in post-secondary education and in employment and earnings by women are associated with this broadening social perspective about women. It is unclear what forces are most responsible for these changes, although economic needs, technological improvements in fertility control, and a drive toward self actualization in one's chosen field of concentration are all certainly contributors.

The papers in this report focus on some of the social, demographic, and economic consequences of the expanding roles for women.

Arthur Norton and Louisa Miller in “The Family Life Cycle: 1985” show trends in the frequency and timing of marriage, divorce, remarriage, and fertility across several generations of women.

Martin O'Connell in “Maternity Leave Arrangements: 1961-85” presents research on factors associated with childbearing and labor force participation.