A new study by Pew Research Center shows a growing divide between employed and stay-at-home mothers. But both sides of the spectrum agree on one thing: Working full-time isn't as attractive as they once thought it was. The survey compared responses from more than 400 mothers this past spring with the answers of about 450 moms in 1997. Of the working moms, 60 percent say working part-time would be their ideal situation. That statistic has risen from 48 percent in 1997. At the same time, stay-at-home moms have become more adamant about their choice to stay home: 48 percent say staying at home is ideal, up from 39 percent in 1997.

So why is the gap widening? "Working moms are trying to stand their ground, as are stay-at-home moms. Sacrifices are made at both ends," said Rachel Hamman, author of Bye-Bye Boardroom. "Working in the home or outside the home, there are things you give up."--Kristin Edelhauser