If it comes down to need I'm not sure why the mental/emotional needs of a SAHM are outweighed by the financial needs of a working mum*.
people dont only work for financial reasons... perhaps working mums use it as an emotional outlet too? i think things are off track - it wasnt a sahm / working mum who is better argument is was a discussion on the system in general.

*It occurs to me that the language we use to discuss women who work outside the home as opposed to women who work in the home supports the idea that the needs of women at home are less important. Working as opposed to ...... not working? Hmmm......
i have no idea where this WAHM arent working spin off started? definately wasnt me nor the inital purpose of the thread.
again is nothing to do with importance of pposition. It is a logistical issue - you can have yourr children at home while you are at home doing home duties (as i do 7 days a week, but you cant take your 3 yo to work with you especially if you work in a dangerous setting.... hence why i work shifts that my hsuisband is home - after 7pm at night and weekends.)