Working Women and Family LifestylesThe issues and concerns in this course are ones that I am able to relate to. Married for eight years, a working wife and mother, I am qualified to give a detailed overview of each of the elements listed in this course. My essay will discuss the following topics:  Past and present status of women in the workplace  Career and family balance  Career choices  The future of family Additionally, I will elaborate on the implications of single parenthood and how it affects women ? career and raising a family.PAST AND PRESENT STATUS OF WOMEN IN THE WORKPLACEEvery day, in an office, bank, store, school or wherever women work, someone announces an engagement or marriage. But unlike previous generations, this announcement does not automatically mean the departure of the employee. She simply adds a new dimension to herself: marriage. Unlike her predecessor, she will work for a much longer period because she can decide when to start a family. If she decides to start a family, her leave will typically be less than five years, as she is part of the new generation of women trying to combine the roles of career woman, mother and wife into one workable package. Wives have been working for much longer than most people realize. Before the Industrial Revolution, even wealthy women worked long hours to support large families, servants, and slaves. Most American families then engaged in farming. Often, husband and wife worked together to make a profit. During the time of the Revolution, women worked in the fields, plowing and harvesting, because all the men were away fighting the war. Middle of paper......y and to achieve what they want, no matter if it is considered a man's job or a woman's job. In fact, my kids see me do both. I mow the lawn, wash the cars, take out the trash, do the dishes, do the laundry, and clean the bathrooms. I also work and go to school but I like to have fun water skiing, snow skiing, coaching and playing softball. My new husband does the same, except he is effectively the breadwinner. For me, this is a pretty complete parental example. I hope my children surpass me, at parallel age levels, in every way. Theories and principles related to the past and present status and role of women in the workplace, patterns of behavior and socialization affecting career choices and leadership abilities. Dual-career couples, child-rearing issues, and the future of the family. Special problems of reintegrated women and current legislation affecting women in the workplace.