Regretting Motherhood

A Study

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Gender Studies, Feminism & Feminist Theory, Family & Relationships, Family Relationships, Motherhood, Sociology
Cover of the book Regretting Motherhood by Orna Donath, North Atlantic Books
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Orna Donath ISBN: 9781623171384
Publisher: North Atlantic Books Publication: July 11, 2017
Imprint: North Atlantic Books Language: English
Author: Orna Donath
ISBN: 9781623171384
Publisher: North Atlantic Books
Publication: July 11, 2017
Imprint: North Atlantic Books
Language: English

Women who opt not to be mothers are frequently warned that they will regret their decision later in life, yet we rarely talk about the possibility that the opposite might also be true—that women who have children might regret it. Drawing on years of research interviewing women from a variety of socioeconomic, educational, and professional backgrounds, sociologist Orna Donath treats regret as a feminist issue: as regret marks the road not taken, we need to consider whether alternative paths for women currently are blocked off. She asks that we pay attention to what is forbidden by rules governing motherhood, time, and emotion, including the cultural assumption that motherhood is a “natural” role for women—for the sake of all women, not just those who regret becoming mothers.

If we are disturbed by the idea that a woman might regret becoming a mother, Donath says, our response should not be to silence and shame these women; rather, we need to ask honest and difficult questions about how society pushes women into motherhood and why those who reconsider it are still seen as a danger to the status quo. Groundbreaking, thoughtful, and provocative, this is an especially needed book in our current political climate, as women's reproductive rights continue to be at the forefront of national debates.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Women who opt not to be mothers are frequently warned that they will regret their decision later in life, yet we rarely talk about the possibility that the opposite might also be true—that women who have children might regret it. Drawing on years of research interviewing women from a variety of socioeconomic, educational, and professional backgrounds, sociologist Orna Donath treats regret as a feminist issue: as regret marks the road not taken, we need to consider whether alternative paths for women currently are blocked off. She asks that we pay attention to what is forbidden by rules governing motherhood, time, and emotion, including the cultural assumption that motherhood is a “natural” role for women—for the sake of all women, not just those who regret becoming mothers.

If we are disturbed by the idea that a woman might regret becoming a mother, Donath says, our response should not be to silence and shame these women; rather, we need to ask honest and difficult questions about how society pushes women into motherhood and why those who reconsider it are still seen as a danger to the status quo. Groundbreaking, thoughtful, and provocative, this is an especially needed book in our current political climate, as women's reproductive rights continue to be at the forefront of national debates.

More books from North Atlantic Books

Cover of the book Weeds in the Urban Landscape by Orna Donath
Cover of the book On the Integration of Nature by Orna Donath
Cover of the book Rainbow Green Live-Food Cuisine by Orna Donath
Cover of the book Failed God by Orna Donath
Cover of the book Climate--A New Story by Orna Donath
Cover of the book Your Self-Motivated Baby by Orna Donath
Cover of the book New Self, New World by Orna Donath
Cover of the book Spiritual Balancing by Orna Donath
Cover of the book Unlock Your Muscle Gene by Orna Donath
Cover of the book Better Health through Natural Healing, Third Edition by Orna Donath
Cover of the book Before We Leave You by Orna Donath
Cover of the book These Wilds Beyond Our Fences by Orna Donath
Cover of the book Nurturing Resilience by Orna Donath
Cover of the book The Emissary by Orna Donath
Cover of the book Your Soul's Plan eChapters - Chapter 5: Drug Addiction and Alcoholism by Orna Donath
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy