B. Read the passage carefully, then choose the correct answer.

It is an undeniable fact that a woman‘s place was once in the home. In the past, women were merely required to fulfil the role of mother and housewife. Today, this situation has changed tremendously. If a woman possesses the attributes and qualities of her male counterpart, she will definitely be given equal opportunities in the career world without much bias. Therefore, women began to make the scene and, eventually, there was a steady flow of women leaving their homes. Should women be allowed to work after marriage then? The answer is undoubtedly positive although this issue is highly debatable in terms of the nature of the professions involved. If a woman pursues her career but is at the same time able to care for her home and children, one simply cannot find any reason why she should not be allowed to do so.

Whether a woman should continue to work after marriage would depend on the nature of her profession. It is a waste of resources if women, after seeking higher education, immediately abandon their careers after matrimony. A woman‘s effort can also contribute to the well-being and development of society. In the Malaysian context, a teacher is only required to work a five-day week with term holidays every now and then. Moreover, she is in school for only half of the day; the other half of the day can be devoted to her home. A teacher, besides educating the society, can fulfil the role of both mother and housewife. There are many other careers like those of nurses, clerks and typists where women can fulfil the double role.

As it is, a woman‘s most important responsibility still lies in her home. Without her around in the house, one just cannot bear to think of the consequences. Unless and until she can fulfil the basic role of a housewife and mother, she should not make a career her sole responsibility.

What was the woman‘s dominant role in the past?