Less-Educated Mothers More Likely to Stay at Home

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. tend [tend] (v.) – to happen more likely

Example: Mothers tend to be worried when they hear their child crying.

2. household income [HOUS-hohld, -ohld IN-kuhm] (n. phrase) – the sum of all the household members’ income

Example: My family’s household income is big because both my parents are working.

3. full-time [FOO L-TAHYM] (adj.) – involves working in complete number of hours

Example: My mother is a full-time employee so she works at least eight hours a day.

4. well-paying [wel-pey-ING] (adj.) – producing high or sufficient salary

Example: People who get well-paying jobs can afford to pay for high bills.

5. ideal [ahy-DEE-uh l, ahy-DEEL] (adj.) – perfect or best

Example: The ideal age to become a mother is between 26 to 30 years.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Most people think that many mothers nowadays tend to stay at home and take care of their children instead of having a job. However, a recent study in the US shows that a significant number of stay-at-home moms are left with no choice. Unlike most assumptions, a lot of mothers stay at home not because they can afford to do so but because they cannot get a job that pays well enough to cover child care costs. An average mother in the US needs to earn about $11 per hour to be able to pay for child care and other expenses.  Several studies revealed that less educated women with lower household income often become stay-at-home moms. On the other hand, women with a college degree and a higher household income are more likely to have jobs and less likely to stay at home. Also supporting the same claim, previous study from the Council on Contemporary Families reveals that women with husbands from the lowest 25% of male earners stay at home full-time to look after the children. Paula England, a Sociology professor, said that more educated mothers are less likely to stay at home because they can get well-paying jobs that can pay for child care. In contrast, younger and less educated women often cannot get jobs that pay well. However, most mothers still think that having a job is ideal,  according to Pew Research Center. But for stay-at-home moms, being able to watch their children grow is just as precious as having a job.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         In your country, is it also true that less educated women often become stay-at-home mothers? Why or why not?

·         If you were a mother, would you rather work or stay at home to take care of your kids? Please explain your answer.

Discussion B

·         Why is it important to ensure that children have proper guidance as they grow?

·         Do you think letting another person take care of one’s children is alright? Why do you think so?

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