A Level Sociology OCR Practice Exam

According to Vincent et al. (2007), how did working-class mothers feel about using childminders?

1. They were indifferent to using childminders

2. They expressed skepticism about stranger childminders

3. They preferred nurseries over home care

4. They had strong confidence in childminders

The correct answer is: They expressed skepticism about stranger childminders

Vincent et al. (2007) found that working-class mothers often expressed skepticism about using childminders due to concerns over entrusting their children to strangers. This apprehension stemmed from a combination of factors, including fears about the childminder's ability to provide adequate care and the safety of their child in unfamiliar surroundings. Many mothers were particularly concerned about the quality of care that their child would receive, fearing that a childminder might not be as nurturing or attentive as they would be themselves. This skepticism reflects broader societal worries about childcare, particularly from a working-class perspective where there may be less access to resources and more dependency on informal care options. The nuance of their feelings suggests a critical view of the childcare institutions available to them, indicating that they were not fully confident in the idea of leaving their child with someone they did not know well.