Rachel Cohen, a Vox writer specializing in policy, and Sarah Peterson, author of "Momfluenced," delve into the anxieties millennial women face about motherhood. They discuss how societal pressures and unrealistic media portrayals contribute to a sense of dread and ambivalence. The conversation highlights the contrasting experiences of motherhood across generations and explores the role of momfluencers in shaping expectations. Together, they tackle the emotional toll of modern parenting and the stark reality behind the curated images found online.
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Rachel Cohen's Motherhood Dread
Rachel Cohen, a millennial writer at Vox, grappled with the decision of motherhood.
She found the prevailing narratives around motherhood overwhelmingly negative.
insights INSIGHT
Unique Millennial Dread
Millennial dread is unique due to the overwhelming negativity surrounding motherhood.
This negativity comes from social media, pop culture, and a lack of positive portrayals.
insights INSIGHT
Political Polarization and Motherhood
The political climate adds to the motherhood confusion, with Republicans promoting childbearing and Democrats focusing on the hardships.
This polarization makes open discussions about the positive aspects of parenting difficult.
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Ordinary Insanity delves into the complex relationship between motherhood and fear, examining historical, cultural, and systemic factors contributing to maternal anxiety. The book combines personal narratives, interviews, and historical research to shed light on the isolating experiences of new mothers and the importance of community in overcoming these challenges.
All the Rage
Josh Cohen
Ordinary Insanity
Ordinary Insanity
Emma Pierce
Mom Rage
Minna Dubin
Mom Rage explores the unspoken crisis of anger among mothers, delving into the societal pressures and unequal burdens that contribute to this rage. The book offers practical tools for managing rage while advocating for broader social change. Drawing on insights from diverse mothers, it highlights the need for systemic solutions to support mothers and challenge the cultural expectations surrounding motherhood.
Screaming on the Inside
The Unsustainability of American Motherhood
Jessica Grose
Momfluenced
Inside the Maddening, Picture-Perfect World of Mommy Influencer Culture
Sara Petersen
Momfluenced delves into the world of momfluencers, examining how they sell not just products but a dream of motherhood intertwined with whiteness, capitalism, and the heteronormative nuclear family. Drawing on personal experiences, pop culture analysis, and interviews with experts, Sara Petersen sheds light on the complexities of social media motherhood and its effects on parenting and societal norms. The book considers what it means to define motherhood for oneself in a society that often dictates these definitions.
Screaming on the Inside
The Unsustainability of American Motherhood
Jessica Grose
American policy failures and bad PR have made millennials dread motherhood. Vox’s Rachel Cohen and Momfluenced author Sara Petersen explain.
This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Rob Byers, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.
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