Gatrell et al (2011) argue that employer views on mothers are outdated due to increased involvement in childcare and more men seeking flexibility. Which option best describes this?

• A. Employer views are more hostile toward mothers
• B. Flexible working is banned
• C. There is more hostility to mothers
• D. Employers are more flexible and support both mothers and men's involvement

Answer: (D)

The key idea is that employers’ attitudes toward family responsibilities have evolved. Gatrell et al. argue that as childcare becomes more shared and more men seek flexible arrangements, old views of mothers as the default caregivers are becoming outdated. This points to a workplace climate where flexibility and support for family involvement are more common, rather than hostility.

So the best description is that employers are more flexible and support both mothers and men’s involvement. This fits the idea of shifting norms toward accommodating parental roles rather than resisting them.

The other statements imply ongoing hostility or outright bans on flexible working, which contradict the notion of updated, more accommodating views that the authors describe.