Breadwinners

Just as women have decisively claimed half of all jobs in the U.S. work force, more than half the desks in college classrooms, and the role of breadwinner or co-breadwinner in two-thirds of American families, there is a new spate of studies that delve into our roles and impact at work and at home. It's perfect timing for a fresh look at what we women know we are doing: working hard to earn a good living, working hard to take care of our families, and struggling to get it all done, week in, week out.

Maria Shriver will be on NBC's Today Show and news programs this week with stories related to "The Shriver Report: A Woman's Nation Changes Everything." Shriver, the first lady of California who has transformed the California women's conference into the biggest annual women's gathering in the country, has joined with the Center for American Progress for a survey on women. Here's a taste of what they found: Read More »

Sarah Palin's dual roles as mom of five and Republican vice presidential candidate clearly have reignited a heated conversation among women about working and parenthood. While many women have to work to support their families, the back and forth over the choice (when it exists) to work outside the home is all the rage,  again.

It's rare when the argument to stay home versus work suggests having one breadwinner is the best way to increase family income. So I found it fascinating to hear author Megan Basham argue on "The Today Show" that  women can improve their financial outlook by not working and supporting their husbands' careers. Read More »