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In general, the term "soccer mom" refers to the concept of American post-feminist Motherhood as an amalgam of traditional values with modern feminism ( 1960s - 1980s ), though with modern conveniences such as the SUV and Cell Phone . A soccer mom is typically imagined as Upper Middle Class , probably College - Educated , most often Suburb an or Exurb an, and typically White . The "soccer mom" typically indicates a single income family, where the husband works while the wife is a Homemaker . Since the 1980s, two incomes are widely considered to be "requirement" of the typical working class family in the U.S., and in this context single incomes symbolise both affluence and a disconnect from the struggling working class. Hence in the term may carry Pejorative connotations, where the soccer mom may denote a woman who is aloof and has little responsibility or occupation, other than providing basic Transportation for her children. In feminist circles, the soccer mom may refer to a woman who has given up on a promising and successful Career , particularly after having some early aspirations and achievements. In this context this may carry the meaning of someone of diminished individual character. DEFINING THE SOCCER MOM The term is thought to have been coined by a woman running for , notably during the 1992 and 1996 Presidential Campaigns and since. Literally, soccer moms drive their children to play Soccer . At once, the soccer mom is associated with encouraging, if perhaps overscheduling, their children with activities, and with making personal sacrifices for their children's benefit (taking them to play), while perhaps remaining somewhat overprotective. The term has found a life as shorthand for a Stereotype , or set of stereotypes, far beyond its literal meaning. Most widely, perhaps, they are associated with driving Volvos , Minivan s, or SUV s. Active pride in their children may be displayed, for instance, with membership in a Parent-Teacher Association , or with a Bumper Sticker boasting that her child is an Honors Student at their school. The term was used as the basis for the song " Volvo-Driving Soccer Mom " by the band Everclear , though the song departs from the stereotype in that the "soccer mom" in the song has something of a checkered past and this is not necessarily part of the stereotype. IN POLITICS Soccer moms were considered an important constituency in Bill Clinton 's two presidential wins. Starting, perhaps, with Republican victories in the 1994 Congressional elections, and into the 2000s with the presidential victories of George W. Bush , they have been identified increasingly with the Republican party. However, this correlates more with other demographic characteristics, such as their place in the Red State-blue State Divide , than with their identification as soccer moms. In fact, in as much as both parties seek to appeal to her, the model soccer mom in political discourse is a Moderate , hopefully persuadable Swing Voter . She's assumed to be especially concerned with Education policy, Health Care and Tax levels, especially as they impact her own family. Since the September 11, 2001 Attacks , Homeland Security has emerged as a concern to the extent that a new term, " Security Mom ," has come into use. POLITICAL AND SOCIAL CONSERVATISM Since the late 1990s and into the 2000s , the soccer mom has been increasingly associated with Political Conservatism , with Evangelical or Fundamentalist Christianity , and with Socially Conservative concerns such as opposition to obscenities in Rock and Hip Hop Music and sex and violence in Film , Television , and video games. Some "extreme soccer moms" even complain about sad music, claiming that it makes children suicidal. Because of this, many Gamer s and Anime fans often use soccer moms as scapegoats for Censorship in the media. These attributions, however, are in no way universal. A political campaign targeting soccer moms in a Liberal environment like Boston or San Francisco is probably talking about a much more Secular , socially and politically moderate-to-liberal audience. IN CANADA Usage in Canada is broadly similar to usage in the United States, but it is taken closer to literally, having much to do with active, busy parenting and generally having less to do with race, little if anything to do with religion, little to do with political affiliation except for a tendency to moderation, and with very little correlation to Social Conservatism . Middle class status, a skew towards minivan or SUV ownership, and to a lesser extent university or college education and suburban or exurban residence are associated with the term. Much of the meaning underlying "soccer mom" has also transferred to the term " Hockey mom". SEE ALSO EXTERNAL LINK
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