76 CLEARING THE HURDLES: WOMEN BUILDING HIGH-GROWTH BUSINESSES
Family Role Expectations
In nearly every society, it was traditional for men to work outside the
house while women cared for households and families. It was a woman’s
“role” to maintain the household and care for dependents. Over the past
30 years, women have entered the workforce to help support families all
over the world. In Europe and the United States, nearly 40% of women
work outside the home, and contribute as much as half of household
income.
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Bureau of Labor statistics from 2000 show that 81% of
women between 25 and 54 work full time, and more than 70% of mar-
ried couples with children over 6 years of age both work. Even though
vast changes have occurred and men are now cooks and ...