Thinking Allowed Motherhood
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Mar 25, 2025 Helen Charman, a Fellow at Cambridge and author of "Mother State," delves into how motherhood intertwines with political history and activism. Caitlin Killian, a sociology professor, discusses the increasing pressures on mothers and the unfair standards applied compared to fathers. They explore the evolution of motherhood, the criminalization of mothers’ actions, and advocate for rebalancing parental responsibilities. The conversation sheds light on the challenges and transformations that shape maternal identities in today's society.
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Motherhood as a Public Issue
- Social scientists should strive to transform personal struggles into shared concerns, as advocated by C. Wright Mills.
- This approach helps understand motherhood as a social and political issue, not just a private experience.
Broadening the Motherhood Narrative
- Discussions about motherhood frequently focus on white, middle-class, heterosexual women.
- Helen Charman's book aims to broaden this perspective by including diverse mothers and linking motherhood to political history.
Understanding 'Mother State'
- The term "Mother State" has a multifaceted meaning.
- It refers to the state of being a mother, the mother-state relationship, the state's use of motherhood, and the maternal concept of the welfare state.
