From 1997 to 2007:
Full-Time Work Grows Less Attractive to Moms

Considering everything, what would be the ideal situation for you -- working full-time, part-time, or not at all outside the home?

                                 --- Working Mothers ---                  --- At-Home Mothers ---
                                        1997            2007           Change         1997           2007       Change
                                     %            %          '97 to'07         %            %      '97 to '07

What's ideal for you?

Full-time work                 32               21             -11             24           16           -8

Part-time work                48               60             +12             37           33           -4   

Not working                    20               19               -1              39           48          +9

Don't know                     -                  -                                  -              3

# of Respondents         317               259                             140           153

Note: Based on mothers with children under age 18
[Pew Research Center; Network News, July-August 2007]