Question

How has the composition of the labor force changed from 1900 to 2011?

(a) It has remained more or less the same, except for a brief period in the 1950s in which far fewer women worked.
(b) The percentage of working women has risen from 20.6% to more than 58%.
(c) The percentage of working women has actually decreased, from 80.6% to less than 50%.
(d) In 1900 virtually no women worked outside of the home; by 2005 close to 90% of women worked outside of the home.

Answer 1

Answer: (b) The percentage of working women has risen from 20.6% to more than 58%.

Explanation: The composition of the labor force in the United States has changed significantly over the past century. In 1900, most jobs were held by men, and virtually no women worked outside of the home. However, with the rise of the women's movement and changes in attitudes towards gender roles, the percentage of working women has steadily increased. By 2011, more than 58% of women were part of the labor force, compared to just 20.6% in 1900. This shift has had significant social, economic, and political implications, with women gaining greater independence, earning power, and representation in the workforce.