ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the concept of motherhood in terms of what distinguishes it from the broader concept of parenthood. The purpose of this chapter is twofold: to recognise the main challenges faced by mothers in academia and to propose actions that can minimise them. To reach these goals, the chapter discusses the social construction of motherhood based on philosophical and social theories and how this construction affects the lives of real mothers in academia today. The methodology consists of crossing theory and empirical research on the situation of mothers in general. In the conclusion, some recommendations are listed at the political, institutional and staff level to improve the participation of mothers in academia.
