3. Empowered Mothering

In 'Of Woman Born,' Adrienne Rich delves into the complexities of motherhood, distinguishing between the personal experience of mothering and the institutionalized expectations imposed by patriarchal society. The book, originally published in 1976, is a powerful blend of research, theory, and self-reflection, exploring how motherhood is shaped by historical, social, and political factors. Rich critiques the ways in which motherhood has been subjugated and commodified, advocating for women's autonomy and liberation. The work remains significant today, offering profound insights into the intersections of motherhood, feminism, and personal identity.

In 'If Women Counted: A New Feminist Economics,' Marilyn Waring critiques the system of national accounts and the international standard of measuring economic growth. She argues that the United Nations System of National Accounts (UNSNA) excludes women's unpaid work and the value of nature, reflecting patriarchal power that values militarism and environmental destruction over social reproduction and peace. The book has been influential in redefining GDP, inspiring new accounting methods in many countries, and is considered the founding document of feminist economics. It also contributes to the degrowth movement by highlighting the connection between economic growth, the oppression of women, and ecological degradation.