More men being laidoff than women

Just last month, Americans lost 598-thousand jobs.

And men account for 8 out of every 10 jobs lost.

That news has a major impact on women, many of whom now find themselves with greater responsibilities.

For the first time in American history, women are poised to make up more of the workforce than men.

“The areas that are getting hit particularly hard are manufacturing and construction that tend to be male concentrated jobs,“ says Jed Davaro of Cal State University East Bay.

Davaro, an associate professor of economics, says many of the jobs being lost by men affect their families in two ways: Loss of the primary source of income and often health benefits.

“A lot of those were union jobs. They had good health benefits. The jobs held by females are less likely to have health benefits for dependent children,“ says Davaro.

Because women still earn about 80 cents for each dollar that men make, and they tend to work part time, they are more sheltered from layoffs.

But many now find themselves shouldering a double load: homemaker and bread winner.

Eric Lund says after he was laid off in the dotcom bust, he worked jobs in retail off and on.

Now, he stays home to take care of his ailing mother, while fiancé Bertha Henderson works full time as a cake decorator.

Asked how he makes it work, Lund replied: “Budgeting. We don’t spend money we don’t need to spend.“

Bertha Henderson, Lund’s fiancee, adds “I have a lot of friends. They are struggling because they just bought a house or condo and they’re having a hard time making the mortgage.“

Studies show even as women pick up more work outside the home, they’re still just as busy inside.

“Women even if they are primary earner continue to do a large amount of housework,“ adds Davaro.