Maternal narratives as feminist inquiry

This thesis is an examination of the construction of my identity as a mother and an analysis of the issues mothers face in our society.

Analyzing the construction of my identity, I consider socially constructed forces as well as embodied experiences and how the two in combination have influenced who I am, how I mother, and how I perceive and interact with the world.

Using personal narratives as my 'data' for this research together with theoretical analysis, I examine feminism and the normative ideology of the 'good' mother as powerful influencing forces in the construction of my identity as mother. My 'data' has led to the revelation of personal 'truths' which have allowed me to critically analyze and challenge these powerful forces. I examine how the challenging of powerful normative ideologies can be empowering and an impetus for social action.

The relationship between motherhood and feminism is contentious. Exploring the intersection of motherhood and feminism in my own life has exposed the tensions that exist between the two, but also the need for feminism in motherhood and for motherhood in feminism. Recognizing this has led me to a political space. The way our society positions mothers means that women who become mothers are subjugated despite years of feminist work attempting to gain equality for all women.

My aim in writing this thesis is twofold: the first is to show through personal narratives my developing consciousness of issues that mothers face in our society. The second aim of this thesis is to expose the need for social change so that mothers in our society can achieve equality.

Feminism and motherhood need to make space for one another so that social change may be possible.