Mothering Ideology: A Qualitative Exploration of Mothers' Perceptions of Navigating Motherhood Pressures and Partner Relationships

Tricia Williamson; Danielle L. Wagstaff; Jane Goodwin; Naomi Smith

doi:10.1007/s11199-022-01345-7

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Mothering Ideology: A Qualitative Exploration of Mothers' Perceptions of Navigating Motherhood Pressures and Partner Relationships

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Mothering Ideology: A Qualitative Exploration of Mothers' Perceptions of Navigating Motherhood Pressures and Partner Relationships

Tricia Williamson, Danielle L. Wagstaff, Jane Goodwin and Naomi Smith

Sex Roles, Vol.88(1-2), pp.101-117

2023

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-022-01345-7

PMID: 36568897

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Abstract

good mother ideology

relationship satisfaction

relationship dynamics

heterosexual partners

family

motherhood

mothers

gender roles

child-rearing practices

thematic analysis

Good mother ideology refers to beliefs that women are only 'good' mothers if they adhere to the tenets of dominant parenting discourse, such as intensive mothering ideology, which prioritizes children's needs and child-raising above all else. Undergirded by this ideology, mothers' attempts to navigate the transition to motherhood are fraught with pressures, and the transition is associated with negative health outcomes for mothers and children; yet existing research gives little attention to the quality or dynamics of the partner relationship as part of this transition. The current study examined motherhood pressure and the impact on partner relationships through individual, semi-structured interviews with 19 mothers living in Australia who were 18 years or older in a heterosexual relationship with at least one child under the age of five. Thematic analysis revealed four key themes: discourses on motherhood: criticisms of mothers and internalised guilt; transformation of identity; entrenchment of gender roles through childrearing; and positive relationship dynamics . supportive fathers and challenging gender roles. This study contributes to the larger body of literature highlighting the complexity of dominant mothering ideology and its entanglement with and impact on partner relationships. Further, this study includes mothers' perceptions of how they navigate these pressures within the relationship with their partner and the family unit. These findings have implications for programs to support mothers and other caregivers, as well as challenge unrealistic standards for motherhood.

Details

Title: Mothering Ideology: A Qualitative Exploration of Mothers' Perceptions of Navigating Motherhood Pressures and Partner Relationships
Authors: Tricia Williamson (Author) - Federation University
Danielle L. Wagstaff (Corresponding Author) - Federation University
Jane Goodwin (Author) - Newcastle University
Naomi Smith (Author) - Federation University
Publication details: Sex Roles, Vol.88(1-2), pp.101-117; 17
Publisher: Springer New York LLC
DOI: 10.1007/s11199-022-01345-7
ISSN: 1573-2762
PMID: 36568897
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Law and Society
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99702198402621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Psychology, Developmental; Psychology, Social; Women's Studies

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