Nearly two-thirds of women in rich countries now have paid jobs, compared with under half only a few decades ago. Is this a win-win situation for women, economies and employers, or are there downsides too? The Economist (economist.com) debate begins and we want to hear your point of view. Vote now and share your opinions with the floor.

Moderator's comments Whether and how to combine work and family is an important life choice not just for women but for their partners too, and one on which many people have strong opinions. Linda Basch argues that for women to go out to work is good for the economy, for communities, for families and most of all for the women themselves. Our opposer, Christina Hoff Sommers, contends that disparities in the workplace are almost entirely the result of women's different preferences about balancing home and career. She thinks that women should be left free to decide whether they want to go out to work or stay at home. 

Defending the Motion: Linda Basch, President, National Council for Research on Women

"Companies with more women in senior management outperform those with less diversity."

Women belong in the workplace. It is right for families, communities, the economy and, most importantly, for women so that they can live to their full potential as productive and self-reliant individuals.

Opposing the Motion: Christina Hoff Sommers, Resident scholar, American Enterprise Institute

“The verdict that a woman's place is at work is every bit as repressive as saying her place is in the home." 

Women do not have an assigned place. In free societies, they choose where they wish to be. For at least 5m women in America, that happens to be in the home as full-time mothers. What is wrong with that?

What say you?  Please vote.