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The Myth of the "Opt-Out Revolution" among Professional Women

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As the debate continues over the trend of professional women leaving the workforce to care for their families, a report by the Center for Economic Policy and Research in Washington suggests that this narrative may be overstated. According to the report, the employment rates of women have actually increased, with mothers in 2004 being half as likely to leave the workforce as in 1984. However, highly educated women's employment rates did decline by 3 percentage points from 2000 to 2004, sparking a renewed debate over the reasons behind this trend.

Key Takeaways:

  • The employment rates of women have increased, with mothers in 2004 being half as likely to leave the workforce as in 1984, according to a report by the Center for Economic Policy and Research in Washington.
  • Highly educated women's employment rates did decline by 3 percentage points from 2000 to 2004, but this trend is not as widespread as previously thought.
  • The report suggests that the "opt-out revolution" may be a small dip, not a big exit, with women's employment rates still remaining high overall.
  • Women's employment rates by educational level:

+ 75% of highly educated women were employed in 2001, according to Stephanie Coontz, spokeswoman for the Council on Contemporary Families.

+ The employment rates of women at all levels dropped by 12 to 14 percentage points after they had children in 1984, compared to 6 to 7 percentage points in 2004.

  • The report challenges researchers to define what constitutes "opting out," suggesting that it may not be a binary choice between work and family.
  • Economists believe that family preference, wage growth, and cultural shifts may all play a role in women's employment decisions.

Statistics:

  • 75% of highly educated women were employed in 2001.
  • The employment rates of women at all levels dropped by:

+ 12 to 14 percentage points after they had children in 1984.

+ 6 to 7 percentage points in 2004.

  • Highly educated women's employment rates declined by 3 percentage points from 2000 to 2004.
  • Mothers in 2004 were half as likely to leave the workforce as in 1984.

Sources:

  • H.J. Cummins, "The Myth of the 'Opt-Out Revolution'" (MIN-neapolis Star Tribune, 2005-03-01)
  • Center for Economic Policy and Research, "The Myth of the 'Opt-Out Revolution'" (2005)
  • Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, "The Effects of Childbearing on Women's Employment" (2005)
  • Stephanie Coontz, Spokeswoman, Council on Contemporary Families
  • Heather Boushey, Economist, Center for Economic Policy and Research
  • Katharine Bradbury, Senior Economist, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston

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