Jamie Spencer
Women have made remarkable progress in education and the workplace, nearly reaching parity with men in several areas. Data from the Federal Reserve shows that women between the ages of 20 and 24 now represent about 50% of total employment, matching their male counterparts. Yet, as they advance into their late twenties, societal pressures—particularly around marriage and family—often disrupt their career paths, a challenge that continues to persist despite significant progress.
Economics professor Teresa Ghilarducci from The New School for Social Research highlights the complexity of the situation, stating, “Women have achieved parity in the workplace, but not full equality.”
Struggling to Balance Career and Personal Life
Millennial and Gen Z women are increasingly caught between their professional ambitions and the pressures to maintain fulfilling personal lives. This struggle is reflected in pop culture, where music and viral social media trends capture the emotional toll. Taylor Swift’s lyrics, “I cry a lot, but I am so productive, it’s an art,” from her song I Can Do It With a Broken Heart, have resonated deeply with young women, featured in over 180,000 TikTok videos. The message resonates with many who feel overwhelmed by the demands of juggling career success and personal expectations.
According to social media trend expert Casey Lewis, this is part of a broader phenomenon. “Both millennials and Gen Zers are feeling the same ‘girl-boss’ pressures that millennials grew up with,” she explains. These generations, striving to succeed in all areas, often feel torn between professional goals and the societal expectation to “have it all.”
Another pop culture reference, Megan Boni’s viral song, “I’m Looking for a Man in Finance, Trust Fund, 6′5″, Blue Eyes…,” humorously highlights dating pressures but also underscores the larger issue of balancing career ambitions with societal expectations around relationships.
The Rise of the Tradwife Movement
Amidst these growing pressures, some women are choosing a different path. The “tradwife” movement, which embraces traditional gender roles and focuses on homemaking over corporate success, is gaining popularity. This trend offers women an alternative to the relentless pursuit of career growth. “Many young women are opting to become tradwives as a way to step back and do less professionally,” says Casey Lewis. This decision allows them to prioritize family and home life over the demands of the corporate world.
However, this shift doesn’t necessarily mean women are doing less overall. Research consistently shows that women still shoulder more of the domestic workload than men, whether they are employed outside the home or not. As Richard Fry, a senior researcher at Pew, points out, “The childcare crisis, which was simmering before the pandemic, has now come to a boil,” putting additional strain on working women who face increasing childcare responsibilities.
Men’s Disengagement from the Workforce
While women struggle to balance career and personal responsibilities, an alarming trend has emerged among men. Many men, particularly those aged 25 to 54 without a college degree, are exiting the workforce at high rates. The decline of manufacturing jobs, coupled with the rise of NEETs (neither in employment, education, or training), reflects a growing sense of disconnection from the current job market.
This phenomenon was highlighted in last summer’s blockbuster movie Barbie, which portrayed Ken as a young man in America with “no place and no role,” according to Julia Pollak, chief economist at ZipRecruiter. This portrayal resonates with the frustrations many men face as they struggle to find their footing in a rapidly changing economy.
The Persistent Earnings Gap
Despite significant advancements in employment parity, men still outpace women in terms of earnings. Full-time male workers saw a 3% rise in median earnings, compared to just 1.5% for women, revealing a persistent wage gap. Additionally, societal pressures continue to affect career decisions for women. According to Deloitte’s 2024 Women at Work report, 37% of women feel the need to prioritize their partner’s career over their own, further complicating their professional journeys.
While women have come a long way, achieving parity in many areas of the workforce, true equality remains elusive. From the pressures reflected in pop culture to the challenges of balancing home life, women continue to face unique obstacles. As Ghilarducci wisely points out, “Women have achieved parity but not full equality.” Overcoming these challenges will require both societal change and a rethinking of traditional roles, allowing women to pursue true balance in both their careers and personal lives.
