A new study by San Diego State University researchers shows societal acceptance of working mothers is at an all-time high.
Researchers found that 22 percent of 12th-graders believe that pre-school aged children would suffer if their mothers worked, down from 34 percent in the 1990s and 59 percent in the 1970s. Adults are also more accepting of working moms.
After analyzing data of 600,000 respondents, the researchers found that 35 percent of adults surveyed believed "a preschool child is likely to suffer if his or her mother works," compared to 42 percent in 1998 and 68 percent in 1977.
“It really captures all of the broad spectrum of attitudes,” Jean Twenge, a psychology professor at SDSU, lead author of the study, told KPBS Midday Edition on Thursday. “You can get a little view into the future.”
Twenge said those who had a working mother were more supportive of working moms.
“I think what you’re seeing is a number of interesting social trends,” Twenge said. “These attitudes are following behaviors.”
