ES 3.2

MATERNAL EMPLOYMENT: PERCENTAGE OF MOTHERS WITH CHILDREN UNDER AGE 18 WHO ARE EMPLOYED, FULL TIME AND PART TIME

Over the last several decades, the increasing proportion of mothers moving into employment has had substantial consequences for the everyday lives of families with children. Maternal employment adds to the financial resources available to families, and is often the only source of income for families headed by single mothers — although if child care services are purchased and unsubsidized, they may offset a substantial percentage of low-wage mothers' earnings.

Maternal employment rates for all mothers with children under age 18 increased steadily from 53 percent to 63 percent between 1980 and 1990 (see Figure ES 3.2.A). From 1990 to 1995, rates increased at a slower pace from 63 percent to 66 percent. This pattern of increasing maternal employment was evident for all mothers, regardless of the age of their children.

Differences by Age of Child. The percentage of mothers who are employed increases with the age of the youngest child for all time periods presented in Table ES 3.2.A. In 1995, 54 percent of mothers with children under age 3 were employed, compared to 62 percent and 73 percent for mothers with youngest children ages 3-5 and 6-17, respectively.

Differences by Race and Ethnicity. In 1995, 67 percent of white mothers, 62 percent of black mothers, and 49 percent of Hispanic mothers were employed (see Table ES 3.2.A). Black mothers were the most likely to be employed full-time (50 percent). Although all three groups substantially increased their rates of employment between 1980 and 1990, only white mothers continued to increase their rate of employment substantially between 1990 and 1995.

Differences by Marital Status. Throughout the period between 1988 and 1995, divorced mothers had higher rates of employment than never-married or currently married mothers. Employment increased from 62 percent to 67 percent for married mothers, from 40 to 48 percent for never-married mothers, and from 75 to 77 percent for divorced mothers.

Full-Time Versus Part-Time Employment. As shown in Figure ES 3.2.B, among all employed mothers, 70 percent were working full time in 1995. Employed mothers with older children were more likely to work full time than those with young children, with rates ranging from 65 percent for mothers with children under age 3, to 73 percent for mothers with a youngest child between the ages of 6 and 17. Divorced mothers were more likely to work full time (83 percent) than never-married mothers (72 percent) and married mothers (68 percent). Black mothers who were employed were more likely to work full time (82 percent) than white mothers (68 percent).