Then and Now: Where are we?

This CBS video suggests that in today’s changing society, the recession defines the roles in our everyday lives. Since Russ Long lost his job last year, him and his wife Laura are both taking on new roles in the house and out in the workforce. It is not uncommon to see the women become the “breadwinner” in the relationship anymore. Laura is maintaining a full time job while Russ takes care of the children, the house and his wife.

 As the recession began in 2007, the unemployment rates were equal between men and women, both at 4.4 percent. By September of 2007, women’s unemployment rate in America was at 7.8 percent while men’s were at a shocking 10.2 percent. Because of these numbers and change of gender in the workforce, it naturally results in a change of roles at home as well. The CBS news video suggests if there is change in the workplace, there is change at home.

Then:

There has been a complete change in women’s equality in the workforce since Muller vs. Oregon in 1908. This court case suggests that in Oregon, women are unable to work over 10 hours a day, which was not favored by many women because men were allowed to.

 Now:

In United States vs. Virginia in 1996, the Supreme Court ruled against Virginia’s Military’s Institute 7-1 that held a male-only admission policy.

Even though women only make 77 cents to every dollar that the male makes, women’s unemployment rate is significantly lower than men and it is very common and honored to see successful women in the workforce.