Kathleen Gerson is Professor of Sociology, New York University.

• List of FiguresList of TablesPrefaceAcknowledgmentsI Womens Work and Family Decisions:The "Subtle Revolution" in Historical PerspectiveChanging Work and Family PatternsCohorts and Social ChangeAlternative Paths in Adult Development2 Explaining Womens Behavior:A Theoretical OverviewThe Structural Coercion ApproachThe Voluntarist ApproachA Developmental Approach3 BaselinesChildhood SocializationStarting PointsAmbivalence and Change4 Veering Away from DomesticityRising Work Aspirations and Family AmbivalenceConclusion5 Veering Toward DomesticityDeclining Work Aspirations and the Home as a HavenComparing Domestic and Nondomestic GroupsStability and Change in AdulthoodConclusion6 Homemaking Versus ChildlessnessThe Persistence of Domestic PatternsNondomestic ResponsesChoosing to Stay Childless7 Combining Work and MotherhoodReluctant MotherhoodChildlessness Versus Reluctant MotherhoodDomestic Versus Nondomestic Responses8 The Changing Contours of Womens Place Development, Choice, and StructuredAlternativesThe Limits of Socialization, Personality, and Dominance ModelsWork and Family Structures in TransitionConclusion9 The Politics of ParenthoodThe Limits of Change and the Conflict Among WomenGender Equality, Social Policy, and the Role of the StateAppendix AAppendix BAppendix CAppendix DBibliographyIndexTablesMethodologySample CharacteristicsInterview ScheduleLIST OF FIGURES1 Comparisons Between the U.S. Birthrate and theFemale Labor Force Participation Rate, 1890-19802 Alternative Adult Pathways3 Alternative Adult Pathways and Future Plans4 Rates of First Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage for U.S. Women: 1921-19775 Real Disposable Income for Workers with Three Dependents,1947-1979 (in Constant Dollars)List of Tables