Final answer:
The alternative career path often chosen by professional women to balance career demands with family responsibilities is known as the Mommy track. This term contrasts with the glass ceiling, reflecting choices women make affecting their career trajectory and potential for advancement.
Step-by-step explanation:
The alternative career path for women in professional jobs who have to manage the competing demands of work and family is popularly known as the Mommy track. Unlike the glass ceiling, which refers to an invisible barrier caused by discrimination that prevents women from rising to the highest levels of an organization, the Mommy track acknowledges the career compromises that some women may make to balance work and family responsibilities. This can sometimes result in fewer opportunities and lower levels of pay, reinforcing the gender pay gap. Women on the Mommy track may choose to work fewer hours or take on roles that are less demanding, which can limit their career advancement.
This concept emerged as women entered the workforce in greater numbers and faced the reality that their domestic roles were often not shared equally with their partners, leading to the necessity of balancing the second shift at home with their career aspirations. Despite this, the long-term trend of women working outside the home has become a reality, and it continues to shape discussions around career paths and demands on work-life balance.