First Advisor

Martha M. Balshem

Term of Graduation

Spring 1995

Date of Publication

5-4-1995

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (M.A.) in Anthropology

Department

Anthropology

Language

English

Subjects

Motherhood -- United States -- History, Role expectation, Women -- United States -- Psychology

DOI

10.15760/etd.6770

Physical Description

1 online resource (iv, 52 pages)

Abstract

The ideology of motherhood in the United States makes it seem as though motherhood is a natural role for women. The ideology holds mothers solely responsible for the well being of their children. Combined with the ideology of blaming the victim, the ideology of motherhood causes a great deal of guilt in women as mothers cannot possibly live up to the unrealistic expectations set up in the culture.

In this study, I have used two case studies to illustrate the impact of the ideology of motherhood on the lives of these particular women. Utilizing the theories of Michel Foucault and Antonio Gramsci, I will show how the ideology is constructed, internalized, and enforced in the United States.

Rights

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Comments

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Persistent Identifier

https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/28489

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