in 1900 few American women were employed outside the home. Today, however, women make up about half of the u.s. labor force. Several factors explain why the rate of employed women has increased so much. For one thing, many women need to support themselves; many also need to support their children. The United states has a high rate of divorce and growing number of window. A second reason for the increased female workforce is improved contraception. Freedom from years of pregnancy and child rearing has given women more opportunity to pursue a career. A third reason is greater freedom from housework. In 1900 women had fewer machines and store-bought items to lighten their chores. The modern home has a washer, a dryer, and commercial detergents. Last, a change in the kinds of work available has increased the number of working women. modernization has eliminated physical strength as a major job requirement. Today many jobs are no more physical than using a computer or driving a car.