Our Working Nation: How Working Women are Reshaping America’s Families and Economy and What It Means for Policymakers

The movement of women out of the home and into paid employment stands out as one of the most important transformations of the 20th century. Today, women make up half of all workers on U.S payrolls, two-thirds of mothers bring home at least a quarter of the family’s earnings and 4 in 10 mothers are either the sole breadwinner or are bringing home as much or more than their spouse. Yet the policies of government, business, educational and other social institutions have not been adequately updated to reflect these new realities and aid American families.

The report outlines a set of policies that address the needs of today’s workers and working families. Its policy agenda focuses on four key areas in which the authors believe the most change is necessary: updating basic labor standards, improving fairness in the workplace, providing direct support to working families with child special needs and improving national awareness of family responsive workplace policies. The authors provide ideas for policymakers at all levels of government, while also stressing that businesses do not need to wait for government action to institute family responsive workplace policies.

The report was producted by the Center for American Progress, a nonpartisan research and educational institute dedicated to promoting a strong, just and free America that ensures opportunity for all.

Read the report.