Changing Perspectives on Motherhood
TITLE
Evaluate the view that motherhood is different today than in the past.
ESSAY
🌟Title: Evolution of Motherhood: A Comparative Analysis🌟
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🌟Introduction🌟
Motherhood, as a social construct, has undergone significant transformations over time due to various societal changes. This essay aims to evaluate the view that motherhood is different today than in the past. The analysis will be structured by discussing points in support of the view and points against it.
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🌟In Support of the View🌟
💥 Mother's role has shifted from expressive to intensive, as mothers now face increased pressure to excel in various aspects of their children's lives.
💥 Post💥industrial societies have witnessed a shift from the traditional 'stay💥at💥home' mother to mothers entering the workforce and taking on the role of breadwinner.
💥 Fathers have become more involved in child💥rearing, blurring the traditional gender roles associated with parenting.
💥 Motherhood is no longer the top priority for young women, who now prioritize education, careers, and personal goals, often postponing or avoiding motherhood.
💥 Motherhood has transformed from an expected role to a lifestyle choice, with individuals actively deciding if and when to become mothers.
💥 Same💥sex relationships have challenged the notion of a traditional mother figure, with parenting responsibilities shared among partners or adopted by males.
💥 Grandparents and childminders are increasingly engaged in child caregiving, allowing mothers to focus on their careers.
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🌟Against the View🌟
💥 In many pre💥industrial societies, parenting roles were not strictly differentiated by gender.
💥 Cultural ideologies in some regions still emphasize women prioritizing their caregiving role over work and career.
💥 In cases where mothers enter the workforce, there is often an expectation for them to take on roles compatible with familial commitments.
💥 Motherhood is considered a desired and valued goal for single women from poor socioeconomic backgrounds.
💥 Social policies around maternity leave may reinforce traditional views of motherhood, creating barriers for women seeking to balance work and family.
💥 Cross💥cultural examples, such as the Cameroonian Nso community, challenge the notion of an exclusive mother figure in child💥rearing.
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🌟Research Evidence and Additional Concepts🌟
💥 Various scholars like Arfini, Wilkinson, and Giddens have provided insights based on post💥modernism and liberal feminism, highlighting the changing nature of motherhood.
💥 Concepts like individualization, the New Man/Father role, and Patriarchy have influenced the evolution of motherhood.
💥 Different feminist perspectives, including radical feminism and Marxist feminism, offer critical analysis of the societal structures influencing motherhood.
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🌟Conclusion🌟
In conclusion, the evolution of motherhood is evident through various societal shifts, challenging traditional norms and expectations associated with the maternal role. While some aspects of motherhood remain constant, significant changes have redefined the experiences and responsibilities of modern mothers. Further research and dialogue are needed to understand the complexities surrounding contemporary motherhood in a diverse and dynamic world.
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SUBJECT
SOCIOLOGY
LEVEL
A level and AS level
NOTES
Evaluate the view that motherhood is different today than in the past.
🌟In support of the view:🌟
💥 Mother's role has shifted from expressive to intensive.
💥 In post💥industrial societies, there is a shift from 'stay at home/economically dependent' mothers to mothers entering the workforce and taking on the breadwinner role.
💥 Fathers have become more involved with children, blurring the distinction of the mother's role.
💥 Young women prioritize education, careers, and personal goals over motherhood, leading to a delay or avoidance of having children.
💥 Motherhood is now considered a lifestyle choice rather than an expected role.
💥 Growth in same💥sex relationships allows for the sharing of the 'mother' role among partners or adoption by males.
💥 Childcare responsibilities are increasingly taken on by grandparents or child💥minders as mothers focus on their careers.
🌟Against the view:🌟
💥 Many pre💥industrial societies did not clearly differentiate parenting roles between mothers and fathers.
💥 Some cultures still emphasize that women should prioritize their caring role over work or a career.
💥 When mothers enter the workforce, there is pressure to find work that is compatible with family commitments.
💥 Motherhood can be a desired and valued goal for single women from disadvantaged backgrounds.
💥 Social policies around maternity leave can reinforce traditional views of motherhood.
💥 There are cross💥cultural examples where children are not exclusively raised by a mother figure, such as in the Cameroonian Nso community.