ABSTRACT
https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203151631/f83e39f2-fb3e-4f6b-8067-30bae33d638e/content/icon_B.jpg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"/>The ambivalence that characterises feminist response to motherhood is because of women’s experiences within patriarchy. Women find that despite idealization of motherhood, and a mother’s love and sacrifice in religion, art and literature, they are effectively alienated from reproduction and their reproductive labour. By constructing an understanding of reproductive biology, stressing the male role in procreation, and conversely denigrating women’s bodies as receptacles to contain the embryo, patriarchy has justified male control over women and children (Dube 1986: 22-53; Krishnaraj 1995: 34-43). Yet undeniably, motherhood — the act of giving birth and nurturing children — is profoundly satisfying for many women. Many feminists therefore contend that women’s experience of rearing and nurturing children has created a unique culture which provides a counterpoint to critique masculinist norms of dominance (Tong 1992: 71-94).
