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ERIC Number: EJ718376
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2005-Jul
Pages: 11
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0197-6664
EISSN: N/A
The Construction of Motherhood: Tasks, Relational Connection, and Gender Equality
Cowdery, Randi S.; Knudson-Martin, Carmen
Family Relations, v54 n3 p335-345 Jul 2005
This qualitative analysis of 50 couples explored how gender equality is related to the construction of motherhood in their day-to-day interactions. Results identified two models of mothering: (a) mothering as a gendered talent and (b) mothering as conscious collaboration. The first model perpetuated gender inequality through a recursive task-relationship cycle between mothers and children. More equal couples consciously collaborated to create a task-relationship spiral for fathers as well as mothers. Processes involved in each view of mothering were discussed relative to the distribution of parenting tasks. The findings suggest that families would benefit from education and clinical approaches that address gender and power, encourage open discussion regarding how child care choices are made, and develop new skills for both genders.
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A