Maria Shriver Discusses “A Woman’s Nation” on Today Show

October 19, 2009 by Cathy Ribble
Filed under: News

Maria Shriver led an interview this morning on the Today Show with Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm and her husband as part of NBC’s week-long focus on Shriver’s recent work, The Shriver Report: A Woman’s Nation Changes Everything.

The Michigan couple are the parents of three children. Granholm admitted, “I have felt less engaged, but I do feel so grateful because Dan’s actually better at parenting than I am.”

Gov. Granholm’s husband, Dan Mulhern, joked about the power struggle that comes with being a full-time father. “When asked, ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ first lady wasn’t on the top of the list.” The couple exchanged last names when they were married.

Maria Shriver traveled around the nation interviewing women and men concerning the changing roles in families. She found that men want to be involved in caring for their children, their family, and the housework. Shriver does not believe there is any such thing as the “typical family” anymore. Husbands and wives are negotiating the responsibilities that come with a marriage and a family.

According to Shriver, women now make up almost 50% of the work force. Less than 30% of families have a stay-at-home parent. 70% of the jobs lost in the current recession have been male dominated jobs. That leaves women feeling pressure for the family financial needs. Woman are also feeling the primary responsibility for elder care, and they are afraid to even ask their employers for the flexibility they need to handle those family responsibilities.

To watch interviews and learn more, visit A Woman’s Nation.