Mothers & Motherhood: Readings in American History

Women, Gender, and Health

by Rima D. Apple (Editor), Janet Golden (Editor)

Mothers & Motherhood presents dramatic documentation of the social, cultural, demographic, medical, and political factors that shape the experience of motherhood. Organized into four sections, this collection opens with several articles that examine how society constructs images of motherhood and how the social definition of mothering changes over time. The next section examines the theme of reproduction, demonstrating how ideas about fertility shape the meaning of motherhood. The third section explores how social variables - such as slavery and ethnic and religious backgrounds - affect the mothering experiences of women. The essays in the final section examine the links between mothers, mothering, and public policy. Designed for the general reader as well as students of women's history, women's studies, family history, sociology, and American studies, this volume should also be of great interest to politicians and policy makers. This book endeavors not only to teach about the history of mothers and motherhood but to inspire others to undertake their own research projects on the subject.

605 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

Reviews

[Broughps · Rating 1 out of 5]

I "inherited" this book from someone getting rid of a bunch of books. I can see why they didn't want to keep it. It's obviously a text book from a women's study class. I feel sorry for those students. It's boring as heck with a subject that should have been immensely interesting. It feels like it's more about the research than the subject matter. Unless you're stuck reading this for a class give it a miss.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book for my comps and it’s a useful and extensive, complex read. While it’s a bit older, it helps with understanding history of motherhood and mothers through a US context. What is missing is anything about Indigenous mothering. There’s a bit more, beyond traditional white middle class mothering but that could expand more, too.