Shows changes in the economic status of women for the last two decades. The book focuses on women in the workforce, including occupation and wage gains relative to men; poverty status; economic outcome of changes in trends related to living arrangements, education, marriage and fertility; and differences according to age, race, and ethnic groups where applicable.

The report also provides a variety of tables and graphs, including ones on: women 25 years old and over with four or more years of college in 1980 (shown by race); percent of high school graduates among Hispanic women 25 years old and over in 1980; occupations of women, 1980 (Black and White); percent of high school graduates among women 25 years old and over, 1980; percentage of children living with one parent, by race, 1970 and 1980; percent of births to unmarried women, by race, 1960,. 1970, and 1983; percentage of families maintained by women, 1970, 1980, and 1985 (by race); women (16 years old and over) in the labor force with young children, 1975 and 1985; and percentage of advanced degrees conferred on women, 1969-1980.