Women And Business
Only a decade or so ago, Women and Business
were the exception rather than the rule. Women
working was not a new idea, but it was one that was
almost completely replaced during the 1950s. In
that time, the new American post-war prosperity led
to this ideology that women’s work was in the home
and not in the office. Jobs for women dwindled to a
few services such as secretary and teacher. Outside
of those industries, there were few opportunities
for women and business.
It really is nice to see how things have changed in
the last few years. Don’t get me wrong, there is
still a long way to go, but even so things are
looking up for women and business in the 21st
century. More women are going to college and
completing it then men, and women are working in
high-tech fields in greater numbers than ever
before. Salaries are up, dropout rates are down,
and it seems that women and business have a
bright future.
Almost all the females I know are women in small
business. The interesting thing is that they tend
to be actually more successful than many of the men
I know. Most of them are in pretty cutting-edge
industries and making excellent career salaries.
They do not have to deal with workplace harassment,
they get paid fairly well, and in general are
making good lives for themselves because of a
greater degree of equality than our society has
ever had before.
Nonetheless, there are still things that need to be
changed. women and business still get less
money for the work than men do. Many women are
discouraged early on from pursuing high-tech
careers because of entrenched cultural stereotypes
that say that women aren’t as good at math or
science. Although the stereotypes are not true,
they still hold some power over many young women
and girls, keeping them away from scientific
careers that might be better for them.
Even so, there is reason for hope. When you look at
how far things have changed in the past 50 years,
it really is like we live in a completely different
world. It might take another generation or two for
things to even out completely, but I have full
confidence they will. Now that they have a taste
for equality, they will continue to fight for it
until it is theirs completely. I say more power to
them! The day of the working woman is at hand.
