‘British women made substantial advances in terms of gender equality during the twentieth century. The right to vote, to use birth control, to have equal access to education and to the workplace are all established. As a consequence, observable economic indicators such as the falling gender pay gap suggest that gender inequality has declined and could disappear by the end of this century.”

You’re referring to gender inequality POSSIBLY disappearing by the end of the 21st century, yet in the next paragraph you are questioning whether or not that is too optimistic, but surely, in a modern society, that viewpoint (almost another 90 years of social development) is too pessimistic?

More and more women are applying for and winning significant high profile roles within private companies and public sector organisations. They’re getting there on merit.

By defintion, 21st century women will not only hope for, but will actually NEED support around the home from their partners if they are to combine a busy career with a family life.

Prior to the 1970’s, it wasn’t uncommon for mothers to stay at home and look after the children, whilst ‘dad’ went to work but with the advent of sexual equality within the workplace during the mid-70’s that has clearly changed the landscape.

Todays working mum is just as likely to have a well paid career as her partner and the deciding factor over which one stays at home to look after baby is going to become more and more dependant on who earns the most (mother or father).

If mum earns the most, dad will have to stay at home and if thats the case, dad will have to make sure that dinner is on the table when the bread winner returns ; -)

ps – obviously, this scenario is based on a couple who can survive on one salary. I realise this isnt generally the case, as a majority of families need to have both mother and father working, with grandparents or registered childminders looking after their pre-school children.