Mothering, Time, and Antimaternalism

by Mary K Trigg

"The book aims to broaden understanding of the diverse positions and meanings of motherhood by investigating understudied and marginalized mothers (rural itinerant, African American, and Irish Catholic American) between 1920 and 1960. Fuelled by anxieties around feminism, a perception of men's loss of status and masculinity, racial tensions, and fears about immigration, "antimaternalism" discourse blamed mothers for a wide range of social ills in the first half of the 20th Century. Mothering, Time, and Antimaternalism considers the ideas, practices, and depictions of antimaternalism, and the ways that mothers responded. Religion, class, race, ethnicity, gender, and immigration status are all analysed as factors shaping maternal experience. The book develops the historical context of American motherhood between 1920 and 1960, examining how changing ideas - scientific motherhood, time efficiency, devaluation of domesticity, racial and religious bias - influenced the construction and experiences of motherhood. This is a fascinating and important book suitable for students and scholars in history, gender studies, cultural studies and sociology"--

240 pages, Paperback

Published August 26, 2024

Reviews

[Sarah Rapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful look at several eras of motherhood and the challenges that the women faced during that time. All relevant issues today, from "time poverty" to fitting working and mothering into already full lives. Highly recommend!

[Justice · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 Stars

Firstly, this book makes me so sad that Dr. Trigg retired as I dreamed of working with her for the PhD I aspire to do one day. But this book is a true and excellent example of her dedication to the craft and field of Motherhood Studies. The way in which I connected to the stories shared and had to take my time to read just so I could sit with every little detail speaks to the weight of this book.

Mothering, Time and Antimaternalism: Motherhood Under Duress in the United States, 1920-1960 is a book I wish more people would read and discuss. Trigg relies on such a wide range of sources and shows what it means to be a modern Historian (reliance on photos for example). Her devotion to the work of public and social histories are evident. I truly learned so much and know I will be drawing on this for my Undergraduate Senior Thesis and the PhD Dissertation I will one day write. As somebody who isn’t a mother yet, but one day dreams of it and is devoted to Motherhood Studies this book gave me what I was looking for in all the right ways.

If you’re wondering perhaps why I didn’t give it a full five that is because I struggled with the first and fifth chapters, they’re really just the introductory and conclusionary chapters so please don’t let that sway you!! This book has so much meat, information and purpose to it. Seriously loved this book!

So glad I asked for this book for Christmas from my mom <3