2007-07-11-皮尤-Fewer_Mothers_Prefer_Full-time_Work_14页_119kb

Summary

1. Preference Shift: Between 1997 and 2007, a decreasing percentage of mothers indicated a preference for full-time work, while a higher proportion preferred part-time work or no work at all. Full-time work decreased from 32% to 21% in the ideal situation rankings.

2. Ideal Situation: In 2007, the ideal situation for mothers with minor children was:

   • Part-time work: 60% preferred this option.
   • Not working outside the home: 19% preferred this option.
   • Full-time work: 21% preferred this option.

3. Comparison to Fathers: Fathers remained significantly more inclined to prefer full-time work (72% in 2007).

4. Views on Societal Impact: Working mothers increasingly viewed the trend of more women working outside the home positively, while at-home mothers became more negative about its societal impact.

5. Parenting Ratings: Full-time working mothers rated their parenting performance lower than mothers who worked part-time or stayed at home. Higher-educated mothers tended to be more critical of their parenting abilities.

6. Demographic Differences: Unmarried mothers were less likely to prefer full-time work and more likely to favor part-time work. Mothers with younger children also showed a decline in preferring full-time work.

7. Public Perception: Adults generally viewed the increase in working mothers critically, but more positively than mothers themselves. Younger adults and those who experienced a working mother in their upbringing were less negative.

8. Cultural and Political Factors: Republicans and white evangelical Protestants expressed more negative views on working mothers, while African Americans and Hispanics were somewhat more positive.