Women as mothers

by Sheila Kitzinger

A wide-ranging study of motherhood as experienced all over the world demonstrates that, far from being inborn, much maternal behavior is shaped by cultural pressures

Genres: Nonfiction, Parenting, Womens

285 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1978

About the author

Sheila Kitzinger M.B.E, M.Litt is a social anthropologist of birth and author of 24 books published internationally, most on the emotional journey through this major life experience. At Oxford in the 50s she discovered that the social anthropology of that time was almost entirely about men. She decided she would do research to discover what was important in women's lives, and focused on pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding.
Her five children were all born at home. She lectures widely in different countries and has learned from mothers and midwives in the USA and Canada, the Caribbean, Eastern and Western Europe, Israel, Australia and New Zealand, Latin America, South Africa and Japan, and from women in prison and those who have had a traumatic birth experience.

Reviews

[Bridget Latter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this social anthropological look at motherhood across various times and places.

[Susana Fernandes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every woman should read this book and author !

[Leani · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting look at how motherhood differs in cultures around the world: the values, expectations, and practical implications involved. Unfortunately somewhat outdated by now, as what was true in the late 70's are no longer accurate reflections of what mothers experience today; still, it makes you think...

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wise and interesting read. Provides brief but well reasoned cross-cultural analysis and also (from a current reader's perspective) a view of the emerging narrative of motherhood during baby boomers' coming of age as parents in the US/UK.