What challenge do working-class mothers face regarding societal expectations?

Working-class mothers often experience a lack of acknowledgment and recognition for the substantial effort they put into managing child-rearing and household responsibilities, which leads to feeling undervalued in society. While they may indeed face financial challenges, the primary issue highlighted in this context relates to societal perceptions and the disproportionate expectations placed on them without equivalent recognition.

In many cases, the hard work that these mothers do at home is overlooked or dismissed, leading to a gap between their actual contributions and the societal validation they receive. This disregard can impact their self-esteem and further perpetuate stereotypes about working-class families. It emphasizes the need for societal change to appreciate and validate the labor involved in child-rearing, particularly from those in the working class.

In contrast, coping with financial instability, while a significant challenge, does not directly address the societal expectations tied to recognition and validation for their roles. Seeking public recognition could be a desire but does not encapsulate the core issue of disregard for their workload itself. Validation from peers can also be important but is not as relevant as the lack of societal acknowledgment specifically. Therefore, the correct choice highlights the critical issue of how societal expectations impact the recognition of working-class mothers' roles in child-rearing.