Over the past two decades, the lives of American women have undergone unparalleled change. The Virginia Slims Opinion Poll has chronicled that change in national surveys conducted six times since 1970. {{U}}(71) {{/U}}
One of the most striking findings of the 1990 Virginia Slims Opinion Poll is the degree of consensus—rather than conflict—in women's and men's attitudes about the changing roles of women. In many respects, the two sexes agree. Men express strong and consistent support for women's improved status in society. {{U}}(72) {{/U}}And they agree that the most tangible way in which they could help women balance jobs and family is to take on more household work.
But men are also a major cause of resentment and stress for American women. {{U}}(73) {{/U}}Now, a generation of sweeping change later, women's expectations have outpaced the change in men's behavior. Token help with the dishes or the children no longer inspires women's gratitude. {{U}}(74) {{/U}}.
Increasingly, the kitchen table has become that bargaining table. {{U}}(75) {{/U}}Next to money, "how much my mate helps around the house" is the single biggest cause of resentment among women who are married or living as if married, with 52 percent citing this as a problem. Improvement in this area is one of the top things women cite when they consider what would make their lives better.
A. There is evidence in the poll that waiting for men to live up to the ideal of equal responsibility is a major irritant for most women today.
B. Together, these surveys provide a comprehensive picture of women's changing status, and of their views of the future.
C. In 1970, most women were concerned about getting men to share household chores.
D. They, like women, believe that sex discrimination remains an important problem in the work-place.
E. Over the past three generations, expectations of men as rulers and protectors of the household have changed.
F. Instead, as women contribute more to the family income, they expect in return a more equal division of the household responsibilities.