An overview is provided of what is known about working class women and work (based on census data and the currently available body of research). The findings from an ongoing study of women in blue-collar and service occupations in three California cities are discussed. (Author/GC)

A two-year longitudinal study of 200 working women in California urban areas represents an effort to understand the processes by which specific interests and commitments to paid employment develop. Data from intensive personal interviews with women in traditional and nontraditional occupations should indicate factors which facilitate the entry of…

Not only has the overall participation of women in the labor force increased dramatically since World War II, but the internal character of the female labor force is changing. The greatest increases have been among married women and young mothers, groups which thirty-five years ago represented the lowest participation groups. Women workers have a…

A three-year study focused on 120 women in working class jobs (approximately 75% of which were nontraditional) in three major California cities. Emphasis was on searching out factors and processes facilitating greater participation of women in nontraditional blue collar and working class occupations. Attention was given to their personal and work…