News For Women Most American Women Satisfied With Status

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28270, 7 May 1957, Page 2

News For Women Most American Women Satisfied With Status

NEW YORK. The search into woman's status —and how she feels about it—goes on. The most recent organisation to look for significant percentages in this field is the Young Women’s Christian Association of the U.S.A.

The results of a poll conducted in 29 States and answered by 8249 women were released here as the organisation observed Y.W.C.A. Week, April 4. writes Mary Kelly in the “Christian Science Monitor.” “Are you satisfied to be a woman in today’s world?” the questionnaire asked. . To guide women in their replies, which could be given without signature, the questionnaire added: “Today’s world offers many opportunities for women, but still one hears many saying: If only I were a man. . . . The Y.W.C.A. of the U.S.A., which for more than 100 years has been serving the interests of girls and young women, would like to know how general this feeling is in our country.” Pleased To Be Women Affin stives came from more than 68 per cent, of the women, who ranged in age from 12 to 35 plus. They said, “I'm satisfied with my present role as a woman.” The foremost conclusion drawn from the poll according to Y.W.C.A. release is that home and marriage are still at the top, but careers by no means are being by-passed. “Marriage and a family is the status most American women prefer,” it points out, “although many now in that position find they need to work because of economic pressure, or choose to work for personal reasons.” The 32 per cent, who apparently are not satified with their present role fall into six classes. Of them. 16-plus per cent, wish to be married with children and unemployed; 6 per cent, wish to be married with children and employed; 3.64 per cent, wish to be single with careers; 2 per cent, wish to be married without children and employed; 1.6 per cent, wish they were men; 1.4 per cent, want to be married without children and unemployed. Homemakers Predominated

Homemakers or a total of 3258 headed the list of those in the national sampling. More than 2500 said they were gainfully employed and 1655 are in school or college. More than half of the 8249 women queried are married with 4003 noting that they have children.

The status headed “married, children, unemployed,” is more widely favoured by women between 19 and 35 than it is by those over 35. the survey shows. Out of 3155 women in the former age group. those who prefer the “married, children, unemployed” status number 657. But out of 3011

women over 35, this status is preperred by 290. On the other hand, there was no positive indication that the latter group wanted employment to a markedly greater degree. Of the former, 1937 were satisfied with their role; of the latter group. 2300 were satisfied. Commenting on the poll, Mrs Helen Southard, family life consultant for the national Y.W.C.A. said there isn’t any “right or wrong about the way these women feel —it depends on individual circumstances. Bitterness Felt

"Twenty years ago we were more apt to And bitterness in women who felt hemmed in. Today theirs is a wholesome partnership in marriage and family responsibility. "It is true that, women indicate great potentialities not always expressed. But the man ‘threat’ to women economically has greatly lessened. Respect for one another as persons is evident and both look to Improve the standard of living.” Miss Ethlyn Christensen, director of leadership services for the Y.W.C.A., thought there should be more effort to help women use their skills creatively. “We have not taken into account all the abilities women have,” she said. „ , After the home is vacant because of the young people marrying and going into their own homes, this need for unleashing the older woman's talents is found to be particularly acute.