A Level Sociology OCR Practice Exam

What was a concern of middle-class mothers regarding nurseries, according to Vincent et al. (2007)?

1. Cost of nursery services

2. Children's physical safety

3. Children's emotional well-being

4. Availability of childcare options

The correct answer is: Children's emotional well-being

The concern of middle-class mothers regarding nurseries, as identified by Vincent et al. (2007), revolves around children's emotional well-being. Middle-class parents tend to prioritize the emotional and social development of their children, fearing that nursery settings may not provide the nurturing and emotionally supportive environment that they perceive as essential for healthy development. This focus reflects broader societal values attached to child-rearing practices and the importance placed on emotional attachment and security during early years. Middle-class mothers may believe that nurseries could potentially compromise their children's emotional support, especially if they are concerned about staff-to-child ratios or the quality of interaction their child might receive in a group setting. This concern is underpinned by a belief that emotional well-being lays the foundation for later successes in both academic and social environments. While cost, physical safety, and availability of childcare options are certainly important considerations for families selecting nursery care, the specific emphasis on emotional well-being highlights a unique aspect of middle-class parenting culture that prioritizes not just the logistics of care, but the overall emotional experience and development of their children in early childhood settings.