As more and more global companies realise the importance and economic benefit of women in the workplace, this too has transcended to their respective households, according to a new study which found that a record number of American women have become the sole or primary breadwinners in their families.

In a study released on Wednesday conducted by the Pew Research Center, it found that it is now the mothers, whether single or married, who bring in the bulk of the moolah in 40 per cent of U.S. households with children, up from 11 per cent in 1960.

Analysing data from the U.S. Census Bureau, researchers found that there is a growing number of married mothers who are now earning more compared with that of their husbands. Researchers also found that a quarter of all U.S. households with children are being managed by single but working mothers.

Breadwinner moms are growing because of women's increased employment rate and rising education levels.

"I always thought I'd be working - not just for the financial implications, but because I love what I do," Karen Potter, a mother who is married to a lawyer and works as an endodontist, was quoted by the Los Angeles Times. Not only that, she wants her daughter to follow her footsteps. "I hope and pray that she knows you can be there for your children and have a career that you're passionate about."

However, regardless of the shift, people's attitude towards working mothers remain unsure.

Data from survey showed 3 out of 4 adults believe children are better off with their mothers at home, noting working mothers made it harder for families to raise children. About 50 per cent said marriages are harder to maintain with working mothers, while 74 per cent said working mothers make it harder for parents to raise children.