Feminism and motherhood-can these two words go in the same sentence? Are feminists women who pursue careers, money, and success only? I think this is a stereotype of feminism. I think the true meaning of feminism is the ability for women to chose their destinies. I think some unfortunate results of feminism, is that some women don't understand how infertility can be painful for any woman. I have found this to be the case. Smart, intelligent successful feminist friends of mine are not sympathetic towards me or anyone else who has infertility issues. I think it is this way, because motherhood has been devalued by feminism. I don't think that was the original intent of the Feminist movement.
How do we influence the Feminist movement to value motherhood? If more feminist women valued motherhood, would there be a bigger push for infertility treatments to improve and perhaps we could lower the costs? I started thinking about these issues, because I joined a Feminist Book Club tonight.
I would have to do some research (and my brain isn't up to it right now), but I believe that the early founders of feminism also focused on motherhood.
ReplyDeleteI think that one of the culturally misunderstood tenets of Mormonism, both inside and outside the Church, is that feminism includes motherhood and vice versa. And that motherhood isn't strictly a biological issue--it includes a positive feminine presence in the lives of all children in our circle of influence.