Maternal Performance: Feminist Relations

Maternal Performance: Feminist Relations explores the relationship between performance, feminism, maternal studies, and ethics, highlighting the ethical dimensions of mothering and its significance in the public sphere.

Format: Hardback
Length: 252 pages
Publication date: 28 November 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Feminist Relations: Maternal Performance is a groundbreaking work that seamlessly weaves together the domains of performance, feminism, maternal studies, and ethics. It offers a comprehensive exploration of the maternal journey, spanning from maternal loss to pregnancy, birth, aftermath, maintenance, generations, and futures. Through its chapters, the book closely follows the life course, delving into the profound experiences and challenges that mothers encounter.

One of the central themes of Feminist Relations: Maternal Performance is the profound connection between performance and the maternal. Both performance and motherhood are deeply embodied experiences that unfold in real-time, and they revolve around the establishment of ethical relationships with others. Whether it's the child, the theatrical audience, or our broader communities, maternal performance seeks to engage and connect with these diverse stakeholders on a profound level.

The authors of this book argue that maternal performance is a powerful tool for bringing the largely unseen, private, and domestic work of motherhood into the public sphere. It challenges the traditional notion that motherhood is solely a private domain and highlights the significance and value of maternal contributions to society. By elevating maternal performance, the book encourages a deeper understanding and appreciation of the complexities and nuances of motherhood, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.

One of the key aspects of maternal performance is its ability to challenge societal norms and stereotypes. Traditional notions of motherhood often perpetuate gender biases and reinforce the notion that women are solely responsible for nurturing and caring for their children. Maternal performance, on the other hand, subverts these expectations by showcasing the diverse and complex roles that mothers play in their families and communities. It challenges the notion that motherhood is solely a biological or reproductive function and recognizes the emotional, psychological, and social dimensions of motherhood.

Through its exploration of maternal performance, Feminist Relations: Maternal Performance also sheds light on the experiences of marginalized mothers. Women from marginalized communities often face additional barriers and challenges in their maternal journeys, such as discrimination, poverty, and lack of access to healthcare and support services. Maternal performance provides a platform for these women to share their stories, voice their concerns, and advocate for change. It challenges the dominant narratives that perpetuate inequality and promotes a more inclusive and equitable society.

Moreover, maternal performance has the potential to foster intergenerational relationships and promote social change. By engaging with the experiences of mothers and grandmothers, the book encourages a deeper understanding of the past and the present, and it provides a framework for building a more inclusive and sustainable future. Maternal performance can serve as a catalyst for dialogue, reflection, and action, fostering a sense of community and belonging among mothers and their families.

In conclusion, Feminist Relations: Maternal Performance is a groundbreaking work that offers a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of the maternal journey. Through its intersection of performance, feminism, maternal studies, and ethics, the book provides a powerful tool for challenging societal norms, promoting intergenerational relationships, and fostering social change. By elevating maternal performance, the book contributes to a more inclusive and equitable society, recognizing the significance and value of maternal contributions to our lives and our communities.

Weight: 503g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030802257
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021