ABSTRACT
In the course of becoming a mother, a woman psychologically transitions into a mindset of a mother as she adapts from a known, reality to an unknown, new reality. This transition to motherhood requires a mother to restructure her goals, behaviors and responsibilities to develop a new sense of self, which is termed the "motherhood identity". In many cultures around the world, from first-world countries to third-world countries, motherhood is a socially prescribed role. Many of these countries see motherhood and the experience of motherhood vital to being seen as a "wholly functioning woman". Due to the social expectation of motherhood, it is genuinely not socially acceptable for women to express a lack of a desire for a child. Working mothers are valued members in the workplace and frequently can pursue motherhood and career advancement. On the other hand, women who pursue work and motherhood still experience the internal societal "expectation of motherhood.".
