In a reversal of traditional gender roles, young women nowsurpass young men in the importance they place on having ahigh-paying career or profession, according to survey findings fromthe Pew Research Center. Two-thirds (66%) of young women ages 18 to34 rate career high on their list of life priorities, compared with59% of young men.¹ In 1997, 56% of young womenand 58% of young men felt the same way.

The past 15 years have also seen an increase in the share ofmiddle-aged and older women who say being successful in ahigh-paying career or profession is “one of the most importantthings” or “very important” in their lives. Today about the sameshare of women (42%) and men (43%) ages 35 to 64 say this. In 1997,more middle-aged and older men than women felt this way (41% vs.26%).

The survey question about career success is part of a batterythat asks respondents to weigh the importance of key aspects oflife. For men and women of all ages, being a good parent and havinga successful marriage continue to rank significantly higher ontheir list of priorities than being successful in a high-paying jobor career. Thus, the increased importance women are now placing ontheir careers has not come at the expense of the importance theyplace on marriage and family. Read the complete Pew Research article.