Chapter 11 Female by Samuel H. Preston COMMISSION ON POPULATION GROWTH AND THE AMERICAN FUTURE; RESEARCH REPORTS, VOLUME VI, ASPECTS OF POPULATION GROWTH POLICY, EDITED BY ROBERT PARKE, JR. AND CHARLES F. WESTOFF ABSTRACT This paper examines one factor-female employment opportunity-that could influence fertility in the United States. Research data clearly show that employed women in the United States bear fewer children, on the average, than nonworking women. Data on individuals also indicate that a woman's work opportunities may affect her fertility. Several policies which might affect female work opportunities are discussed here. These policies could also produce two major side effects: reduced discrimination against women workers, and a change in the relative status of males and females. Such side effects should not impede the development of increased employment opportunities for women. |