Kaplan identified these social forces as the 'educational, political, economic, and religious institutions,' forces that promote the "postindustrial mentality," which she defined as "a mentality that locates a person's most significant activity outside the ho

These differences in the beliefs that the two women have is a manifestation of the effect that social forces had on postmodern society. Claire lived in a period wherein female stereotypes prevailed and remained unchallenged. This, apparently, had a good effect on her being a parent, because she did not experience a conflict between maintaining her personal and family careers. Kim, influenced by the postmodern mentality as she pursued a higher level of education and became immersed in corporate life, now experiences inefficiency as a mother despite her success as an accountant. If Kim devotes her time to mothering, she would feel 'incomplete' as an individual who lacks personal development; however, if she decides to devote herself to corporate life, her relationship with her family would be inevitably strained.

Some common words found in the essay are:
Louise Kaplan, , experience conflict, postindustrial mentality, postmodern society, corporate life, social forces, pursue career,
Approximate Word count = 553
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)