2020/06/07 by Rima D. Apple, Apple, Rima D.
Arts and Humanities · #Childcare #Historical Studies on Reproduction, Gender, Health, and Societal Changes #Politics on Motherhood #Scientific Motherhood #United States of America
paper · doi:10.26248/.v2020i0.786
openalex publication_date 2020/06/07 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/01
Troughout history, the overwhelming proportion of women have been mothers. Most significantly, worthy womanhood has been equated with motherhood. This apparent constancy masks dramatic transformations in the role of mothers and mothering practices over time, and particularly over the past 150 years, in the United States and other indus- trialized nations. Traditionally, women’s experiences had formed the basis of respected mothering practices; proper mothering techniques were considered either part of a woman’s innate knowledge, or taught her by her own mother and other female relatives and friends.