I think a lot of it is regional too.  Most of the women in the congregations I attended growing up had at least a part-time job.  Most worked full-time.  Many were outspoken - ESPECIALLY the elders wives.   I've seen many an elder get chewed out in FS!  I don't know why, but they just were.   I was shocked to attend district conventions where a lot of wifes (mostly in rural or suburban areas) didn't work outside of the house.  I think a lot of it had to do with the fact that I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area where there was very little choice, but to have two incomes.  

All in all though, palmel1234 had it right.  We couldn't really do anything.