During the next century, societies will have to plan their populations along with other national resources. The success of this objective will depend, in large part, on the reproductive ambitions of women and the availability of effec tive substitutes for maternity. These broad developments will necessitate a reorganization of national priorities, as well as changes in family, household and work patterns. Among the foreseeable consequences are: reduced occupational sex typing, lessened emphasis on marriage and maternity as su preme goals for women and greater participation of women in all spheres of the labor force. As a result, we must expect and prepare for both new forms of socialization and self- images by gender. Concluding the paper are suggestions for steps society might take to help ease the transition into the new era.