The professional activity of women with children in the Paris metropolitan area (1975-1982)

Abstract

Between 1975 and 1982 women's activity increased in Paris Metropolitan area, mainly due to an increase in the activity rate of women with children (without taking into account the number of children). The spatial results of this phenomenon has been their growing participation in the economic life in every sector in the suburban areas where they represent an important proportion. The relocation of jobs in favor of suburban areas and the creation of the «Villes Nouvelles» did help their integration in the job market. A greater access of families to house ownership has also pushed them to work. A higher level of instruction and the transformation of the value systems also help to explain the considerable growth of the activity rate among women with two or more children. Nevertheless, the place of residence remains a differentiating factor of women's behavior towards work, particularly in the case of women with three or more children: in many suburban areas the lack of jobs at a short distance and the scarcity of social services are an obstacle to women's access to the job market.