I wonder if the United States will ever tire of making surveys? The latest is rather more interesting than usual. It takes the form of a study of the "occupational interests" of women workers throughout the country. In the group of 13,750 women in the higher levels of occupation the mean age was 37 years. Half had been working for thirteen years, the remainder for less. The mean annual earnings were u300. In the questionnaire submitted 160 occupations were listed, towards which women were asked to indicate their attitude. It is surprising to learn that 45 per cent, of all answers given showed either lack of information about, or indifference to, the lot. Women of higher education were found to have more likings or dislikings than others, while, in all, a large proportion stated preference for domestic pursuits or marriage. Opinion on the desirability of certain traits was almost unanimous. "Ability to handle and deal fairly with people" was considered most important, "to be responsible and courteous" coming next. The three least important attainments appeared to be " forcefulness," "artistic ability" and "manual dexterity."
The Irish Times, May 26th, 1931.