Elaine, a Social Worker, Is Visiting a Potential Foster Home

Elaine, a social worker, is visiting a potential foster home for 3-year-old Billy. She sees in her case file that the family income is what could generously be called "modest." Mr. and Mrs. Stiefer both hold graduate degrees. Mr. Stiefer recently left his lucrative research position due to a chronic health problem and is looking for a part-time position he can more easily handle. Mrs. Stiefer is a poorly paid assistant professor at a local college. As Elaine tours the home, she notes the presence of books, magazines, and periodicals of a serious nature. Most are related to the Stiefers' fields of study. She also sees that the cupboards are stocked with nutritious food and that the home is clean and safe. Based on this information, what should Elaine conclude about the Stiefers' socioeconomic status?

A) It is quite low because they don't make much money.
B) It is fairly low because Mrs. Stiefer works outside the home.
C) It is relatively high because both Mr. and Mrs. Stiefer are well educated and either have or did have prestigious jobs.
D) It is currently quite low but might become quite high if Mr. Stiefer finds a new job that pays well and taps into his area of expertise.