We have now passed that threshold, and I think it might be good to spend a moment to talk about its implications. When mom goes to work, lots of things change. That has changed the dynamics of the home and has lead to an increase in the number of children raised by surrogate parents or raised within institutional care. When mom works, it also adds lots of pressure on her. Therefore, women are feeling the stress of both work and family in ways they never have before.
Discretionary time is another issue.
Volunteer hours are on the decline as families become busier. And churches now report that just trying to get a substitute Sunday school teacher sometimes takes two dozen phone calls. In the past, a call to two or three church members was usually sufficient. As we enter the 21st century, we are embarking on a social experiment with dual income families. Women in the workplace will tell you that it hasn't always been such a great experience in their lives or the lives of their family.