The increase in maternal employment has affected society and children. Indications are that the increased numbers of working mothers had impacted the size of families and the birth intervals within them. In addition, as children experience life with a working mother, personal constructs of adult roles and attitudes towards maternal employment can be expected to change. A study was conducted to examine the differences in attitudes between young adult male and female respondents in 1990 and in 2000 concerning maternal employment. Responses of 746 undergraduates were obtained for both years on the Beliefs about the Consequences of Maternal Employment Scale (BACMEC) and author-devised items assessing attitudes toward family of origin, career goals, and family plans. No difference in cost benefit of maternal employment was indicated between the groups. However, the responses from the year 2000 showed a greater expectation of mothers working either part time or not at all during their youngest child's infancy. Today's young adults are hoping to avoid maternal employment during their children's infancy, while simultaneously endorsing maternal employment during their children's school years. A shift was noted in male support of maternal employment during the school years. (Contains 11 references.) (JDM)