While the number of freshmen who aspire to be full-time homemakers is still microscopic, the proportion of incoming female students who feel that raising a family is important or essential has grown dramatically, from about 50 percent in 1977 to nearly 70 percent last year, according to an annual survey of freshmen conducted by the American Council on Education. Myra Strober, a labor economist and professor of education, talks about the issue in her classes. She sees young women wondering how they'll raise children and have a demanding career. Fifteen years ago, there was a certain kind of energy and enthusiasm about being a pioneer and doing something different. Now I think that's gone, and there's a more realistic view among students of what it will take.
Some women become frustrated with the unyielding demands of the workplace.
An inflexible boss, a missed promotion or job insecurity can tip the scales to full-time motherhood. Others leave the fast track after the birth of a second or third child, or when they find themselves struggling to care for an elderly parent or for a child with special needs. I find it is a decision that many women come to after having children. Many women believe they will be able to keep working after they have a baby. Melanie Chladek, '76, a former chief financial officer at Objectivity, Inc., recently downshifted after years of juggling a full-time job and two children at home.