Does Race Affect People's Perception Of Working Mothers

In my paper, I will be examining the impact that class and race affect people’s perceptions of working mothers. My research hypothesis is that race and class affect people’s perception of working mothers because they might believe that it has positive or negative effects on a child’s development. The dependent variables is “Mother working does not hurt children” and the independent variables are class (Subjective class identification) and race (Race of respondent). I expect to find an association between race and socioeconomic status and having either a positive or a negative view of working mothers. For example, some respondents might believe it is better for a mother to stay at home for the child’s development. While some other respondents

In the book, “Women Who Opt Out: The Debate over Working Mothers and Work-Family Balance “The “optout” demographic was white, college-educated, married women with children who had formerly worked in professional jobs.” (Jone 39) Those who “optout” are working mothers who decide to leave their jobs and instead stay home and take care of their children. However, a lot of time this is only possible for mothers from a high socioeconomic status because they can afford to not work if they do not want to. According to the book, “given these backgrounds, articles on “opting out” typically positioned the women profiled as role models and cast their decisions in a favorable and approving light.” (Jones 39) Therefore, this is an example of how people from an upper class would positively view a woman leaving her work because it is an option for them. People from a lower class would not have the luxury of leaving their work so the mother would have to work even if she did not want

The ‘media sensationalisation’ of what it means to be a good mother frequently condemns women who work by suggesting that the stay-at home mothers are ‘good’ and working mothers are ‘bad’, or at least ‘ less good’ can also have a major impact on people’s views of working mothers. (Page 348) In addition, according to Russo, “A ‘good’ mother must be physically present to serve her infant’s every need. As the child enters school, a mother may pursue other activities-but only those permitting her to be instantly available should her child ‘need’ her.” (Russo 8) Therefore, if this is society’s “definition of good motherhood” then it will be incompatible with working since it would affect the mother’s availability. (Russo 8) Therefore, the way the respondents view motherhood would really affect their views on working