Volunteering during leisure time provides personal contact and the opportunity for individual accomplishment for people of all age, ethnic, and socioeconomic levels. Volunteer work can play a large role in developing both the job and leisure aspects of people's careers throughout their lifetimes. (JN)

Three major areas of research are reviewed: the effects of maternal employment on preschoolers; the working mother and school-age children; and working mothers, identity development, and life satisfaction. Concludes that very few definitive answers exist regarding the effects of a mother's working on her family, children, and herself. (Author)