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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
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10

Most Stay-at-Home Moms Aren't 'Opting Out': Census

Contrary to 'opt-out revolution' notion, most stay-at-home moms start that way

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(Newser) – The so-called opt-out revolution by stay-at-home moms “is not and never has been and will not be a revolution,” says one sociologist—and statistics from the most recent census support that point. The term was coined to describe well-educated women leaving high-powered careers to raise children, but census figures show most stay-at-home moms are younger, less educated, and have lower family incomes.

“I do think there is a small population, a very small population, that is opting out, but with the nationally representative data, we're just not seeing that,” a demographer tells the Washington Post. The report contrasts with the recent pop-culture focus on opting out, including books and television shows like Desperate Housewives that explore the balancing act between work and family.

Jenna Kagan, a stay-at-home mom, checks on dinner on July 31, 2008, at her home in Maple Valley, Wash., near Seattle.
Jenna Kagan, a stay-at-home mom, checks on dinner on July 31, 2008, at her home in Maple Valley, Wash., near Seattle.   (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
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Far more women are in the workplace than not, and there is no evidence to show that that will turn around. Women with less education and fewer job opportunities were always more likely to withdraw or not be in the labor force. - Kathleen Gerson, sociologist

They have a hard time finding a job and finding a job that makes work worth it. - Pamela Stone, sociologist, on stay-at-home moms

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10 comments
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RobN
Oct 1, 09 11:45 AM CDT
And..... Reply
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stacysaw
Oct 1, 09 11:49 AM CDT
i don't feel so jealous anymore. guess we can lay off the "she went to college and got an M.R.S." jokes, too. Reply
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WallyEFunk
Oct 1, 09 12:17 PM CDT
Mmm Idiocracy movie coming true? Kidding. Kudos to any stay at home mom's/dad's. I'll get slammed for it, But in an ideal world, men or women should be paid to stay home and take care of the family during the younger years, rather then chasing the mighty dollar.It's an investment for the country, for it's future. Reply
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Chilblain
Oct 1, 09 12:33 PM CDT
Nah, you get props 4 it..............
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+1
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rajanKazhmin
Oct 1, 09 1:43 PM CDT
that sounds like commie talk!!
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