The labor-force participation of married women in the United States over the past 200 years is represented by a U-shaped curve.

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Initially, many married women participated in the labor force, often out of necessity, especially in agrarian and early industrial societies. Participation rates declined in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as the economy evolved and societal norms shifted towards the ideal of the male breadwinner. However, from the mid-20th century onwards, there has been a significant increase in the labor-force participation of married women, due to factors such as changes in societal norms, increased educational attainment among women, and economic needs. This trend creates a U-shaped curve when graphed over time.

The Labor-Force Participation of Married Women in the United States