What do women do? A significant number of women are mothers. Indeed, motherhood is often hailed as one of the most crucial roles in the world. Yet, women also excel in various other vital professions. In truth, women can pursue nearly any career.
Imagine if a discussion about a historical figure like Martin Luther King Jr. started with a similar premise:
What did Martin Luther King Jr. do? He was a father! Being a father is undeniably one of the most significant roles a man can play, but men also achieve monumental things, like leading the Civil Rights Movement and fighting for equality. In fact, men can do almost anything!
Of course, we would never frame it that way. Fatherhood rarely enters the conversation when we talk about the accomplishments of notable men. Likewise, we seldom qualify their potential for success with the word “almost.” Yet, when discussing remarkable women, motherhood is often front and center, even in the most basic educational settings.
Interestingly, most of the women my daughter learned about recently—like Marie Curie, Rosa Parks, and Frida Kahlo—never had children. In fact, the only historical figure from her studies who was a mother during her time of fame was Sacagawea. While I often grumble about juggling my three kids and their schedules, Sacagawea was traversing uncharted territories with an infant in tow. Talk about perspective!
I can only speculate that the emphasis on motherhood in her curriculum was meant to reassure non-working mothers like me or perhaps remind working mothers of the perceived hierarchy of roles. Yet, contrasting my daily tasks—making lunches and organizing playdates—with Harriet Tubman’s monumental contributions to freedom seems a bit absurd.
Our society seems preoccupied with defining our roles and their significance. Non-working mothers often feel slighted by the notion that working mothers are somehow more valuable, while working mothers bristle at the suggestion that motherhood outshines their professional accomplishments. When these debates unfold on social media, they can feel one-dimensional. But when they influence classroom discussions, they become problematic.
Children, regardless of gender, should not be taught that motherhood is the sole measure of a woman’s worth. By labeling motherhood as a job, we imply it is the standard against which all women should be evaluated. In reality, it is not a job at all. I don’t receive a paycheck for it, I can’t be terminated from it, nor can I simply walk away to pursue alternate paths. Yes, it demands hard work, and I often vent about it, and it can even lead to sleepless nights—much like a job. But motherhood is something different entirely, and it’s high time we acknowledged that.
Here’s the crux: my son frequently talks about his future as a father. Sure, his dreams lean toward allowing his kids to wear shorts in winter, but he envisions a life where he is a parent. He also dreams of being a world-class soccer player. He doesn’t believe one role is contingent upon the other because no one has ever intertwined them.
Perhaps it’s time for all of us—educators, online friends, and mothers alike—to take a step back and reassess our language and its implications. For further insights into parenting and motherhood, check out this informative post on Cervical Insemination. If you’re considering at-home insemination options, Make A Mom offers reliable kits to help. And for comprehensive information on fertility treatments, including IVF, refer to UCSF’s excellent resource.
In summary, it’s essential to recognize that while motherhood is a significant and demanding role, it should not be categorized as a job. By shifting our perspective, we can foster a more nuanced understanding of women’s contributions beyond the traditional definitions.
Leave a Reply