As America moves toward the year 2000, we face some of the most difficult challenges of the century. Political forces are revolutionizing the world.
Society is in the midst of fundamental change on every front.
Although change is inevitable, the recent transformations of two of our most basic institutions, the family and work, have been dramatic. Family and work are the backbone of human existence, with each placing its claims on our lives. For most families, the American dream is being modified to include later marriage, smaller families, dual worker marriages, and single parent families. Families spend less time on household tasks, and many are experiencing the complicated, often frustrating, task of finding adequate child care for their children or dependent care for older family members. It is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain traditional family roles in light of the demands of the workplace.