Career and Family: Women's Century-Long Journey toward Equity

The 2023 Nobel Prize in Economics was awarded to Claudia Goldin for her book "Career and Family," which traces the journey of women to close the gender wage gap and highlights the continued struggle for equity between couples at home. Goldin's research reveals how generations of women have responded to the challenges of balancing career and family, and how the growth of remote and flexible work may provide a solution to the disparities between women and men.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 09 May 2023
Publisher: Princeton University Press

Winner of the 2023 Nobel Prize in Economics, a renowned economic historian delves into the remarkable journey of women in closing the gender wage gap and shedding light on the ongoing struggle for equitable relationships within couples. A century ago, it was widely accepted that a woman with a college degree had to choose between pursuing a career and starting a family. However, today, there are more female college graduates than ever before, and an increasing number of women aspire to have both a career and a family. Despite these advancements, challenges persist in the workplace and at home.

This book explores how generations of women have navigated the complex dynamics of balancing career and family as the twentieth century witnessed a significant shift in gender equality. Through extensive research spanning decades, Claudia Goldin provides a fresh and in-depth examination of the diverse experiences of college-educated women from the 1900s to the present day. She delves into the aspirations they formed and the barriers they encountered in terms of career, job, marriage, and children. Goldin highlights how certain professions tend to be "greedy," offering disproportionately higher pay for extended hours and weekend work, perpetuating disparities between women and men.

Furthermore, she demonstrates how the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly hindered women's advancement in the workplace, while the growth of remote and flexible work offers a potential silver lining. Antidiscrimination laws and unbiased managers are valuable tools, but they are not sufficient on their own. Career and Family sheds light on why fundamental changes are necessary in the way we work and how we value caregiving if we are to achieve true gender equality and couple equity.

The book emphasizes the need for a shift in societal attitudes towards work-life balance and the recognition of the contributions of caregivers, both men and women. It challenges the notion that career advancement should come at the expense of family responsibilities and advocates for policies that support dual-career couples. Goldin's insights and recommendations provide a roadmap for achieving a more equitable and fulfilling future for all individuals, regardless of their gender or marital status.

In conclusion, Winner of the 2023 Nobel Prize in Economics offers a thought-provoking exploration of the challenges and opportunities faced by women in achieving career and family balance. Through meticulous research and insightful analysis, Goldin sheds light on the ongoing struggle for gender equality and couple equity. This book is a valuable resource for policymakers, employers, and individuals seeking to create a more inclusive and equitable society.

Dimension: 203 x 133 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691228662