---

---

Social Policy

The Numbers on Mothers, Work And Children

Today's mothers work more, marry less, build careers and have fewer children. Twenty years ago, mothers worked to provide a second income and, according to surveys at the time, most felt guilty for having to leave their children. Today, researchers report, they feel less so. In 1996, 63 percent of all married women with preschool-age children were employed or looking for work -- five times the proportion in 1950. Men and women marry about four years later than they did at mid-century and 32 percent of all births are outside marriage -- compared to just 5 percent in 1960. The typical mother who came of age in the 1950s had three or more children -- compared to an average of two today. About half of all marriages end in divorce today, with the children continuing to live with their mother in most cases. Nannies, governesses and au pairs look after about 5 percent of the preschool children of working mothers, while nonparental relatives care for about 25 percent. Twenty-nine percent of parents sent their children to day-care centers in 1994. Family day-care, which takes place in the home of a caregiver, is utilized by about 15 percent of families. Source: Andrew J. Cherlin (Johns Hopkins University), "By the Numbers," New York Times Magazine, April 5, 1998.

---

Home |  Support Us |  All Issues |  Social Security |  NCPA |  Contact Us

Dallas Headquarters: 12770 Coit Rd., Suite 800 - Dallas, TX 75251-1339 - 972/386-6272 - Fax 972/386-0924
Washington Office: 601 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Suite 900 South Building - Washington, DC 20004 - 202/220-3082 - Fax 202/220-3096
© 2001 NCPA