This examination of structural changes in the U.S. economy and its effect on the role of working women presents a policy agenda for alleviating some of the economic strains facing today's working woman. Material is arranged into 3 parts. Part 1 provides an historical backdrop and discusses women's shift out of housework, women as providers, and the social and institutional environment. Part 2 focuses on problems facing today's working women including inequity in pay; climbing poverty rates among female-headed households; a high and growing incidence of poverty among elderly women; a lack of support services, most notably child care and care for the elderly; lack of flexibility in work arrangements to accommodate family responsibilities; low pay rates and absence of fringe benefits for part-time workers; and inequities in tax laws, social security, and pension plans. Part 3, policy agenda for working women, presents specific policy recommendations supporting increases in full employment; employment opportunities; pay equity; child care and other support services; alternative work schedules; tax, social security, and pension equity; and a restructuring of the welfare system. Tables showing labor force participation rates of women from 1950-1982, probability of labor force entry and exit by females 16 years of age and older, and percentage rates of employed workers on part-time schedules are also included. (LH)