A Level Sociology OCR Practice Exam

What criticism do New Right theorists have about working mothers?

1. They strengthen family structures.

2. They prioritize family care over work.

3. They contribute positively to child development.

4. They can undermine the stability of the home.

The correct answer is: They can undermine the stability of the home.

New Right theorists argue that working mothers can undermine the stability of the home primarily due to their belief in traditional gender roles and the importance of a stable family structure for child development. They contend that when mothers are employed outside the home, children may suffer from a lack of direct maternal care and attention, which they view as crucial for proper upbringing. This perspective emphasizes that a nurturing home environment, typically fostered by a stay-at-home mother, is essential for instilling values and providing emotional support to children. Furthermore, New Right theorists raise concerns about the impact of dual-income households on family dynamics, suggesting that the absence of one parent's consistent presence can lead to challenges in maintaining effective parenting and household management. Therefore, the belief that working mothers can compromise family cohesion and stability is central to the New Right critique, reflecting their emphasis on traditional family values and the perceived importance of mothers as primary caregivers.