Whatever first step he takes means mother has that much more peace, with which to nurture her children and herself. Often, of course, if Dad cuts back in order to do more child care, mother has to assume more financial responsibility, which is often a real challenge for women. You acknowledge that most of the issues you write about with respect to mothers and working are mostly relevant to mainstream white, middle-class mothers. African-Americans and Latina women haven't often had the choice to stay home. African-American sociologists also point out that the African heritage provides a more communal model of raising children than the white American model.
Families share in taking care of kids and extended family is usually more closely involved.
I would also like to add that as much as I've relied on research and experts, I have struggled with the mothering ideal in my own home. He just wasn't raised to do that, nor did he know any men who did. He also had to admit that I had to earn more to ease the financial pressure on him. Necessity being the mother of invention, however, I did manage to double my income. We also moved to a smaller home, leaving New York City, which was just too expensive.