Running head: GENDER ISSUES

Gender Issues

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Gender Issues

Introduction

The modernisation and emergence of new gender roles have complicated the understanding of

motherhood. In the contemporary world, people view motherhood differently. For some,

motherhood is a significant incentive for social fulfilment while for others, it marks the

beginning of misery. Notably, it is socially constructed that motherhood is one of the most

important rites of passage in a woman's life. This socially constructed perception has suppressed

the expression of contrasting views on motherhood. However, there is evidence that not all

women attach positivity to motherhood. Despite the existence of several mythologies on

motherhood, feminists argue that its understanding depends on personality.

The Motherhood Myth

The society views motherhood as an intimate part of a woman’s life (Hager, 2011). Importantly,

Social construction has significantly influenced this notion. The society believes that a woman

cannot be complete without passing through motherhood. In fact, the society argues that females

attain their uttermost fulfilment as women by becoming mothers. Although several feminists in

the early 1960’s and 70’s would dispute this stance, the situation is completely different in the

modern world.

In the current world, it is rare for mothers to declare that they regret having children (Hayt,

2002). This situation has been influenced the central role that family values and private sphere

play in the modern society. In the early 1960's and 70's, feminists focused on advocating for

gender equality, private sphere and professional development in women. In their arguments, the
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feminists accused motherhood of obstructing the professional growth in women. Additionally,

the feminists viewed motherhood as the primary reason behind patriarchy and exploitation of

private sphere in the society.

Currently, the motherhood myths have taken a different trend. People view motherhood both

positively and negatively. The positive views are significantly based on the social construction of

gender roles. According to societal beliefs, it is the role of women to give birth, love, and nurture

their children (Hager, 2011). In fact, some argue that it is a biological imperative for one to be a

mother. The flair associated with motherhood has suppressed the expression of its adversities.

However, more women are confessing that this social construction on motherhood is misleading

(Hayt, 2002).

Several female authors have expressed their discontent with the myth that motherhood makes

women complete. Instead, they term motherhood as the beginning of emotional sufferings. In

any society, sexual differences shape the social world and human experiences (Abbot, Tyler, &

Wallace, 2005). However, there is a tendency in the society to overlook the role of sex

differences in social life. Motherhood is an ideal example where the society ignores the role of

sexual differences. Mothers are expected to meet their maternal roles as well as their professional

ones without compromise.

However, playing these two roles is not an easy task for a significant percentage of women. The

pressure that accompanies motherhood make some women find the situation unfulfilling (Hayt,

2002). Contrary to the belief that mothers have a natural love for their children, some feel uneasy

and agitated by the presence of their young ones. For instance, a scene from the film “Sex and

the City” shows a mother comparing the presence of her son to that of a giraffe in a room (Hayt,

2002). The interference with the private sphere is another myth associated with motherhood. In
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this view, some mothers feel that children limit their private space and freedom[ CITATION

Hay11 \l 1033 ]. This feeling results from the expectations that mothers must prioritize the well-

being of their children.

The negative myths on motherhood outlined by Hayt in her article are summarized by the

statements of John Gillis who views motherhood as suffering (Hager, 2011). In his opinion,

Gillis argues that motherhood does not only entail prioritizing the child’s affairs but also

sacrificing all forms of leisure and socialisation. Socialisation and socialisation agents are key in

influencing the human growth and development. These two factors make the society habitable by

promoting social interactions (Hager, 2011). In this respect, during motherhood, a mother is

separated from all socialisation agents like her peers and marriage partner. Apparently, a mother

is obliged to commit all her socialisation and private time to her young one. In fact, critics of

motherhood argue that it abolishes the barrier between public and private sphere. The mother’s

authority in private sphere is altered by societal perceptions on the fragile nature of motherhood.

Consequently, this social separation results in psychological disorders like depression in

mothers.

The psychological distress in motherhood emanates from sleep deprivation, restricted

socialization, and increased maternal responsibilities (Gondwe, Yang, White-Traut, & Holditch-

Davis, 2017). However, the same study notes that motherhood is a source of joy and relief for

those who had been discriminated as being childless. The opposing views expressed about

motherhood are apparent indicators that the existing mythologies are misleading.

Feminist Response to Popular Interpretation of Motherhood

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Feminists have been critical in their response to the existing motherhood myths (Hayt, 2002).

Particularly, feminists have maintained that family is the primary site for inequalities and abuse

of private sphere the society [ CITATION Abb05 \l 1033 ]. The feminists’ response to the myths

is significantly attributed to the theories of the family. For instance, the conflict theory posits that

family promotes inequalities in the society. In this respect, the feminist argues that the social

construction of family adversely affects the relationship between genders during motherhood.

However, they point out that societies differ in the way they value family relationships. As a

result of these variations, there lacks a conventional way of addressing the existing motherhood

beliefs. However, the move by feminists to conduct studies on the reasons behind different

attitudes and beliefs on motherhood is a crucial step towards understanding the concept.

Conclusion

Conclusively, feminists offer gender-based responses to popular interpretations of motherhood.

Although these reactions are not sufficient, they play a vital function in understanding the role of

personality, social construction, socialisation, socialisation agents, and gender roles in the

motherhood argument. As argued by several feminists, motherhood depends on societal

opinions. In this respect, some people see motherhood as a crucial step in a woman's life while

others consider it an obstruction to social and professional development.

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References

Abbot, P., Tyler, M., & Wallace, C. (2005). An Introduction to Sociology: Feminist

Perspectives. Abington: Routledge.

Gondwe, K. W., Yang, Q., White-Traut, R., & Holditch-Davis, D. (2017). Maternal

Psychological Distress and Mother-Infant Relationship: Multiple-Birth Versus Singleton

Preterm Infants. Neonatal Network, 36(2), 1-12.

Hager, T. (2011). Making sense of an untold story: A personal deconstruction of the myth of

motherhood. Qualitative Inquiry, 17(1), 35-44.

Hayt, E. (2002, May 12). Admitting To Mixed Feelings About Motherhood. Retrieved August 13,

2017, from The New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/12/style/admitting-

to-mixed-feelings-about-motherhood.html