PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Social acceptance of working mothers is soaring.

In fact, it’s at an all-time high, from 47 percent in the 1970s to more than 70 percent today.

Researchers say acceptance is likely to continue to increase, even in the case of working moms with young kids.

Most 12th graders surveyed in the 1970s thought mothers should stay home. Today, about four in five high schoolers think it’s okay for moms to work.

“Policy makers should recognize that support for working mothers is now a solid majority position in the United States and design programs for working families accordingly,” the scientists conclude.

The research, which is published in the journal Psychology of Women Quarterly, looked at generational differences in attitudes on family roles.