My cousin is the primary income earner and her husband stays home with the children. She works as a doctor which she loves. Her husband was downsized when she was pregnant, and they decided that he would be a stay at home dad. She says that she is very lucky because she can afford this arrangement and he is better than any daycare. They are both happy and this arrangement has worked out for their three children.
Most American families cannot afford this arrangement no matter which parent stays home. A two family income is not a luxury, but a necessity in most cases. My friend and her husband both work full time and have been since their son was three months. Living in New York is extremely expensive. They pay over $1,000 per month in real estate taxes, $2,000 for mortgage and utilities in a modest home and neighborhood, and $1,100 per month for child care.
She loved being home, but there was no way possible financially even if you subtract the cost of daycare. Women have more choices now than ever in history. Unfortunately, not all families can afford what they want.