Increases in the divorce rate, decreases in women's childbearing, and increases in women's participation in the labor force represent three major trends that have had a great impact on women and on the family as a setting in which to work, raise children, and control resources. Although women's employment is clearly related in part to their increasing recognition of the importance of self-development and some measure of independence, two-thirds of America's employed women have a very clear and present economic need. In addition, increasing numbers of women are recognizing that they will, in all probability, be both homemakers and wage earners. Nevertheless, women's paid employment creates pressure for changes in the internal dynamics and organization of family life. With increasing frequency, men must assume tasks traditionally thought of as women's responsibility, a process that is not without problems for families. To help alleviate these problems, policymakers must develop policies to provide for adequate child care, sufficient wages to permit families to afford child care, stronger safety nets to support families in crisis, and continuing preventive services for families. (MN)