Question

Does maternal employment increase the likelihood that children will become delinquent?

A) Yes, maternal employment is a significant risk factor for child delinquency
B) No, maternal employment has no impact on child delinquency
C) Research findings are mixed and context-dependent
D) Maternal employment reduces the likelihood of child delinquency

Answer 1

C) Maternal employment's impact on child delinquency is mixed and context-dependent.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question of whether maternal employment increases the likelihood that children will become delinquent is complex and has mixed research findings.

Research suggests that the impact of maternal employment on child delinquency is context-dependent and varies based on factors such as the quality of childcare, supervision, and the overall parenting environment.

One study by Maria Donovan Fitzpatrick found that the introduction of universal prekindergarten, which increased maternal employment, had no significant impact on child delinquency rates.

Another study by the same author found that there is no simple relationship between maternal labor supply and preschool enrollment.

Therefore, option C, "Research findings are mixed and context-dependent," is the most accurate answer for this question.