The Struggle of Balancing Work and Family

It is no secret that women are often considered less valuable or less lucrative an employee than their male counterparts. Many times, women are paid less than men who work in the same position. Women also deal with the concept of the glass ceiling, where they struggle to move up in a company while their male colleagues are chosen over them. Even though feminist efforts have resulted in improved policies for women, women as a whole still only make 77 cents to the dollar when compared to males. 

According to an article published by technologyreview.com, women in the STEM (science, technology, economics, and mathematics) face this more than in any other industry. Women in the science field face less pay, smaller lab space, and less resources available to them when compared to male scientists. What’s worse is that these women often feel forced out of their careers because of a lack of accommodation with familial responsibilities. Typically, women are the ones who are responsible for taking care of children and the household, as well as having to take off time to deliver and birth a child. Because of the one-sided responsibilities placed on the shoulders of women, professional women often feel like they must give up their career in order to take care of their families.

Part of the blame goes to the systemic gender roles of women as caregivers and caretakers. Men are allowed to study and work and move up in their respective fields without having to take off time for family. Because of the fact that women are reserved as caretakers, many industries consider male employees as a better investment.  The article provided above argues that the systemic barring of women moving up within a field is costing the United States millions of dollars a year in wasted dollars.

I agree with the above statement. Women make up a large amount of the workforce and are just as capable of producing important research and related work. Instead of forcing women out of the industry, companies should provide childcare services at the workplace so women can comfortably work without having to worry about their kids. If possible, companies should allow mothers with very young children the option of working remotely from their home. Now there are certain family issues that a company cannot sort out, but making an effort to accommodate mothers in their company is definitely a step forward.