Motherhoods: Feminist Solidarity and Fear Rhetoric

Abstract

As we work to understand and achieve feminist solidarity, we must explore the complex and political experience of motherhood. The language of popular media narrowly defines the experience of motherhood as one that is rooted in fear, perfectionism, and helplessness. This limiting and narrow rhetoric undermines feminist solidarity, pushing the diverse experiences of mothers outside of its scope. As feminists, we must celebrate multiple approaches to motherhood(s) that reject limited ideas about the roles and experiences of women-as-mothers.