In When Mothers Work, Joan K. Peters argues that such sacrificial motherhood isn't good for children, much less for marriages or for mothers. The real question is: why haven't we adapted motherhood and work to accommodate our vastly changed lives?

Drawing on the latest research and discussions with prominent psychologists, Peters explains our deep-seated resistance to mothering (and fathering) in new ways. She makes the case that, given sensible working conditions, a mother's employment means a richer parenting experience, stronger marriages, and more balanced children.

With portraits of a dozen real families - corporate and blue collar, religious and secular, step- and single parents, urban and suburban - Peters illustrates the strategies that make this new family life succeed.