Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book aims to introduce the field of maternal theory within the larger discipline of motherhood studies. It introduces three central theoretical concepts of motherhood studies: motherhood versus mothering; maternal thinking and practice; and intensive mothering. The book examines the important differences between feminist and empowered mothering and considers how an emphasis on intersectionality facilitates the disruption of gender-essentialist beliefs about mothering and care norms. It discusses key issues at the intersection of motherhood, mothering, and maternity with religion and spirituality and addresses methodological difficulties for studying religions and mothers. The book is concerned with the relationship between maternity, maternal ideology, second wave feminism, and the art world. It provides an overview of the history of reproductive justice, its central tenets and principles, and the defining challenges and horizons of possibility for the early twenty-first century.