Women Breaking Through The Glass Ceiling

We have all joked that one day women will take over the world. But that day may come sooner than we think. Economists and sociologists have been predicting that women will surpass men in salary and become bread winners by 2020. And it’s not just experts who have such esteemed predictions for women — it’s also young women themselves.

A recent Pew Poll showed that women have higher career goals than men, according to the Wall Street Journal. Two-thirds of women ages 18 to 34 said that high-paying careers are among their top priorities in life. Only 59 percent of men had the same goals. If you look at the 1997 poll you can really see the progress. Fifteen years ago only 56 percent of women cared as much about their careers, while men’s ambitions have stayed about the same.

Another interesting find is that although more young women want high-paying careers, they also prioritize being a good parent. Women really do want it all.

And there is no reason they shouldn’t have it. This study shows that women’s interests are changing, and it’s a warning that government policy has to change, too. Child-care, maternity leave and work hour policies need to change to keep up with and support such ambitious women.

Unfortunately, current policies concerning motherhood and the work week are as stale as the idea that all women want to be housewives. These women want to work, they want to be productive and they also want to raise children. But government policy has to meet them half way.

Contact the author here: jennY@morningquickie.com