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The archetypical soccer mom is Upper or Upper Middle Class , Educated , Suburb an or Exurban . 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 a "requirement" of the typical working class family in the U.S., and in this context single incomes symbolize both affluence and a disconnect from the working and Lower Middle Class es. The term can 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. However, the word is not entirely negative, those described as soccer moms sometimes take pride in the term as affirmation that they are dedicated to providing attention, recreation and positive social contact for their children. DEFINING THE SOCCER MOM The term has been traced to Ludlow, Massachusetts , where a report came out that a man absconded with $3,150 raised for the benefit of a local soccer league. It came into widespread use in the 1990s , notably during the 1992 and 1996 Presidential Campaigns and since. Literally, soccer moms drive their children to play Soccer , and sometimes cheer them on during the game. 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. They may also have drinks and snacks in the car, for/if when the children finish school and/or soccer. IN CANADA Usage in Canada is broadly similar to usage in the United States, but it is taken more 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 small 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". Poor or reckless driving skills have also become associated with the label. IN AUSTRALIA The phrase "soccer mum" has recently started to be used in Australia in the context of Australian national politics. In May 2007 the Conservative Liberal Party government announced that families will receive up to $8000 per child in a one-off election-year bonus to reduce the cost of childcare. It was reported that the payments were aimed at the group known politically as "the soccer mums". IN POPULAR CULTURE
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