Imagining Motherhood in the Twenty-First Century

The way we imagine motherhood and the experience of mothering have been shaped by images, representations, and constructions of mothers throughout history. This book explores how these diverse maternal images and narratives reflect on and influence the cultural meaning of motherhood in the contemporary era, from media studies to cultural studies to literary studies and the performing and visual arts.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 150 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Historically, images, representations, and constructions of mothers have played a significant role in shaping and continue to influence our perceptions of motherhood and the experiences associated with it. This volume encompasses a diverse range of contributions that examine the multifaceted nature of maternal images and narratives found in literature, the arts, and popular culture. By analyzing how these representations reflect and impact the cultural significance of motherhood in the contemporary era, the chapters explore their influence on our understanding of motherhood, expectations of mothers, framing of our experiences as mothers, and even reproductive decisions.

Recognizing that the images of motherhood we encounter in popular media, television, and literature are not mere background noise but rather deeply ingrained in our daily lives, the various chapters delve into how they shape our perceptions, expectations, and experiences of motherhood. These representations not only influence our understanding of what it means to be a mother but also shape our expectations of mothers and the role they play in our lives. Moreover, they frame our own experiences of mothering and contribute to the construction of our identities as mothers.

By drawing upon insights from media studies, cultural studies, literary studies, and the performing and visual arts, this book aims to provide a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of how motherhood is constructed in our time. The chapters in this book were originally published as a special issue of the journal Women: A Cultural Review, showcasing the richness and diversity of perspectives on motherhood and mothering.

In conclusion, the images, representations, and constructions of mothers have a profound impact on our understanding of motherhood and the experiences associated with it. This volume offers a valuable exploration of the diverse maternal images and narratives that circulate in literature, the arts, and popular culture, shedding light on their influence on our cultural meanings of motherhood and shaping our experiences as mothers. By engaging with these diverse representations, we can gain a broader and deeper interdisciplinary understanding of how motherhood is constructed in our time.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367551445