This report focuses on economic, social, and legal development affecting women's employment in the United States during the first half of the United Nations Decade for Women. The first section reports on the economic roles of women in the U.S. as their participation in the labor force reached historically high levels during the last half of the 1970s. The employment status is detailed for such selected subgroups of the women's labor force as working mothers and wives, women who maintain families, Hispanic women, and Black women. Segregation is also addressed. Section 2 presents an analysis of policy developments and issues relevant to the World Plan of Action. It discusses measures and programs to reduce discrimination in employment as well as policies affecting the opportunities and economic regards for women who have changing and multiple roles. The final section highlights the initiatives of voluntary, nongovernmental organizations. Examples include training and employment programs to integrate women in the work force, efforts to eliminate obstacles to women's employment, increasing women's participation in trade unions, social secutity and other retirement income, and entrepreneurship. Sixteen statistical tables and a reference list are appended. (YLB)