...effective.
Women have to work because for the most part we live in a society that is based upon our *wants* the best house the best car the best toys etc...
Mortgages Insurance Health, Car, food, vacations etc is more than most men can make to support a medium to large family.
Sure many professions as a Physician, Lawyer, Successful business owner might be able to support a family on his income but a man making 100K would not be able to support a wife and 3 kids unless they live very simply which many people are un-willing to do now a days.