Failing Moms: Social Condemnation and Criminalization of Mothers

Motherhood in the US is becoming increasingly difficult, with women of all ethnic backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses being held to ever-higher standards and punished for failing to live up to them. This book uncovers how women of all ethnic backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses have been interrogated, held against their will, and jailed for offenses such as falling down the stairs while pregnant or letting a child spend time alone in a park. Poor mothers and moms of color are targeted the most, but all moms are in jeopardy. Caitlin Killian analyzes how and why mothers are on a precipice and what must change to prevent mass penalization and support mothers and their children.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 29 September 2023
Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd

While some may argue that being a mother is the most significant and demanding role in the world, the reality of motherhood in the United States is becoming increasingly challenging. From preconception to pregnancy and throughout parenting, women are subjected to ever-higher standards and face social and criminal penalties for failing to meet these expectations. This book delves into the experiences of women from diverse ethnic backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses who have been subjected to interrogation, forced confinement, and even jail sentences for offenses that were not considered criminal a generation ago. While poor mothers and mothers of color are particularly targeted, all mothers are at risk, whether they are aware of it or not. The disproportionate prosecution of women and mothers reveals a deeper agenda to control women rather than protect children.

To address this issue, Caitlin Killian employs a reproductive justice lens to analyze the factors contributing to the precarious situation of mothers and propose necessary changes to prevent mass penalization and support mothers and their children. She highlights the gendered inequality of prosecutions and argues that they are more about controlling women than safeguarding children. Killian proposes a range of solutions, including advocating for policies that prioritize maternal health, support families, and address the root causes of social and economic inequality. She also calls for the decriminalization of certain behaviors, such as falling down the stairs while pregnant or allowing a child to spend time alone in a park, that are currently criminalized and disproportionately impact women.

In conclusion, this book sheds light on the challenges faced by mothers in the United States and highlights the urgent need for systemic change to support and protect mothers and their children. By adopting a reproductive justice lens, we can work towards a society where mothers are valued, respected, and supported, and where children can thrive in a safe and nurturing environment.

Weight: 482g
Dimension: 235 x 158 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509557721