The Malaysian labour market has changed a lot recently due to rapid growth, especially in export industries. Women's earnings have gone up compared to men's. However, women still mainly take care of children, leading many to leave their jobs in cities permanently after having kids. In rural areas, women often leave temporarily and come back when their children are older. In 1975, unmarried women worked more than married women, and married women worked more as their income increased. Over time, more women in cities are working, while fewer are working in rural areas.