The United States at 250: How the Country Has Changed in the Past 50 Years
As America turns 250, explore how demographics, work, family and economics have shifted since 1976, based on 50 years of Census data.
Economics, Work & Gender
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Economics, Work & Gender
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Women are a rising share of U.S. managers and professionals
In 2023, 46% of all managers in the U.S. were women. This is up from 29% in 1980 but still slightly lower than the 49% of all workers who were women as of 2023.
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Gender pay gap in U.S. has narrowed slightly over 2 decades
In 2024, women earned an average of 85% of what men earned, according to an analysis of median hourly earnings of both full- and part-time workers.
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Among unmarried adults, women without children have as much wealth as single men
In 2022, single women without children had a median wealth of $87,200, while the typical single man had $82,100.
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How Americans See Men and Masculinity
Republican men stand out in views of their own masculinity, the impact of changing gender roles and men’s progress in recent decades.
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Among young U.S. workers without a college degree, men and women hold very different types of jobs
Among the 10 largest occupations held by young adults without a college degree, large numbers are employed as retail salespersons and first-line supervisors of sales workers.
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Half of Latinas Say Hispanic Women’s Situation Has Improved in the Past Decade and Expect More Gains
Government data shows gains in education, employment and earnings for Hispanic women, but gaps with other groups remain.
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A Majority of Latinas Feel Pressure To Support Their Families or To Succeed at Work
Many juggle cultural expectations and gender roles from both Latin America and the U.S., like doing housework and succeeding at work.
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For Women’s History Month, a look at gender gains – and gaps – in the U.S.
Women made up 47% of the U.S. civilian labor force in 2023, up from 30% in 1950 – but growth has stagnated.
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Women have gained ground in the nation’s highest-paying occupations, but still lag behind men
Women now make up 35% of workers in the United States’ 10 highest-paying occupations – up from 13% in 1980.
