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 Original Thinking by Orna Donath
Cover of the book Foundations in Craniosacral Biodynamics, Volume Two by Orna Donath
Cover of the book A Curious History of Vegetables by Orna Donath
Cover of the book The Electric Jesus by Orna Donath
Cover of the book The Man Who Lost the Sea by Orna Donath
Cover of the book Discovering Your Spirit Animal by Orna Donath
Cover of the book Earth Qi Gong for Women by Orna Donath
Cover of the book Awakening Somatic Intelligence by Orna Donath
Cover of the book The Secret Language of Anatomy by Orna Donath
Cover of the book Journey to Joyful by Orna Donath
Cover of the book Cave and Cosmos by Orna Donath
Cover of the book Occupy Spirituality by Orna Donath
Cover of the book No More Secrets, No More Lies by Orna Donath
Cover of the book Where Pharaohs Dwell by Orna Donath
Cover of the book The Abundance of Less 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