Mothering as Feminism

<p>This critical essay proposes the concept of <em>mothering-as-feminism</em>, with the intention of interrogating American ideals of mothering and caregiving. Reforming the way we view mothering, as it relates to feminism, requires a re-evaluation of the American role of women and mothers—and how they are portrayed (and therefore seen and understood), valued, and supported. Focusing on the evolution of feminist theory throughout the past 70 years, as well as personal and secondary experiences, I demonstrate how political and social change occurs generationally and is dependent on the education of our children. Ultimately, I show the important role children’s literature plays in the reshaping of our society, and how the liberation of all people relies on the fundamental viewing of a mother as, first and foremost, an autonomous person worthy of value and care.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Illustration & Visual Culture

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Graduate School of Art

Year dc:date.available

2023

Author dc:creator

• Patel, Meera

• motherhood
• feminism
• parenthood
• bell hooks
• angela garbes
• betty friedan
• children's literature
• picture book
• Art and Design
• Children's and Young Adult Literature
• Family, Life Course, and Society
• Feminist Philosophy
• Illustration
• Nonfiction
• Other Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
• Social Justice
• Women's History
• Women's Studies

Language dc:language

English

DOI

https://doi.org/10.7936/ztbw-4r74

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:openscholarship.wustl.edu:mfa_illustration-1015