BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - Facebook Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg's message in her book "Lean In" that women are not assertive enough in the workforce has sparked controversy.

But local working mothers 23 ABC spoke to say like it or not, it's true.

"I have seen in action many of her premises where women do sit back," said working mother Laura Wolfe.

Sandberg says one problem is women's desire to please so they choose not to fight for high positions because they are afraid of not being liked.

"It is true women do like to be liked more than men," said Wolfe.

Wolf says its not about being assertive enough, its more about the aspirations.

"Many women just aspire to be mothers," said Wolfe.

Not only that, but for men, the primary focus is being the provider.

For women, the focus is divided between being a provider and a caretaker.

"I think maybe they don't want to raise their hand because they don't want to do the work because they do have so many other obligations outside the workplace," said Wolfe.

Working mother Jill Egland says the main problem is society still adheres to traditional gender roles and women continue to choose jobs and titles that allow them to spend more time with family than climbing the corporate ladder.

"Our aspirations are defined by our culture so can you say women are meeting their aspirations well maybe we don't have the right aspirations," said Egland.

These working mom's applaud Sandberg's effort but are not so sure things can change.

"I understand where she's coming from. In this day and age there shouldn't be excuses for women to not move ahead and they should just try to get as many tools as they can," said Wolfe.

"I think its complicated," said Egland.