In Nancy Chodorow’s, The Reproduction of Mothering, she describes how the concept of “mothering” has become entirely female. She explains that women have a certain type of connection to their children, which makes their primary location in the home (as oppose to outside like the father).
Madison mentioned in a previous that there is an increased separation between men and women because of their social location; the public (or outside) is seen as more masculine, while the home is seen as more feminine. I think maybe one reason why many fathers don’t take on the role of mothering is perhaps because they are afraid of losing the sort of “masculine” qualities that their social location gives them.
Although I do agree that fathers should spend more time with their children, I also believe that there is a reason why mothers and fathers have continued to maintain their current roles. There are certain things that only a mother can give to a child, just like there are certain things that only a father can give to a child. Chodorow does make a very compelling argument, and I agree that mothering becomes a type of cycle because the concept is constantly passed down to the next generation. However, current social constructs make it difficult for mothers and fathers to break the cycle, which leaves Chodorow's "dilemma" somewhat unsolved.
I agree that mothers and fathers have different things to offer children - both groups being necessary to the children's development. That's why I think it's important that they each have a prominent role in the raising of their children.
ReplyDeleteI think it's interesting that you mention that fathers too offer distinct things to their children. It seems like mothers offer solutions to more immediate needs (i.e. food) so the father's role can be diminished or forgotten. The mother's responsibility for feeding the children is outdated, however, since many parents now use baby formulas. While mothers and fathers certainly have different influences on their children, mothering and fathering really do not need to be so largely different and hopefully they won't be as disparate and gendered in the future.
ReplyDeleteI agree that mother and fathers have different things to contribute to a child when their are growing up. I think that while keeping this aspects with their respected gender, parents should intertwine their separate roles to defeat the Women mother believe.
ReplyDelete