To undermine gender equality and women's independence, according to Silva, is an aim of attacks on lone mothers?

To undermine gender equality and women's independence, according to Silva, is an aim of attacks on lone mothers?

• A. To promote gender equality
• B. To undermine gender equality and women's independence
• C. To protect children from neglect
• D. To support welfare reform

Answer: (B)

This question tests the idea that criticisms of lone mothers are used to reinforce traditional gender roles and restrict women's independence. Silva argues that attacks on lone mothers are a social and political move to undermine gender equality and women's autonomy, portraying single motherhood as a problem that needs controlling. By stigmatizing lone mothers, these critiques bolster the view that women should be dependent or constrained by conventional family norms, rather than fully equal and independent. That framing is why the aim is said to be undermining gender equality and women's independence. The other options don’t fit this interpretation: promoting gender equality would be the opposite aim, while claims about protecting children or pursuing welfare reform are typically framed as justifications or policy debates rather than the underlying motive Silva identifies.

This question tests the idea that criticisms of lone mothers are used to reinforce traditional gender roles and restrict women's independence. Silva argues that attacks on lone mothers are a social and political move to undermine gender equality and women's autonomy, portraying single motherhood as a problem that needs controlling. By stigmatizing lone mothers, these critiques bolster the view that women should be dependent or constrained by conventional family norms, rather than fully equal and independent. That framing is why the aim is said to be undermining gender equality and women's independence. The other options don’t fit this interpretation: promoting gender equality would be the opposite aim, while claims about protecting children or pursuing welfare reform are typically framed as justifications or policy debates rather than the underlying motive Silva identifies.