I think Melville is on to something.  I believe by nature, women are more nurturing and this is a very good thing for our society.  I believe we are seeing a major cultural shift.  I think many women have experienced the business rat race up close and personal and are repulsed by it.  I believe many of them are choosing to return home and start families.  My wife and I tried switching roles one year (when our children were 1 & 2 years old) she went to work and I stayed at home with the kids.  My children were extatic when we decided this was not working and Mommy came home.  That is not to say that there are no families in which this is not a good fit, however, I think those families are the exception and not the rule.