Working Mothers: Intensive Mothering and Momism

Abstract

This literature review provides background information about the definition and historical context of mothering experiences. The concept of motherhood and meaning making have been intensively studied within both feminist and existential psychological perspectives, which are used in this paper to provide an in-depth understanding of different aspects of becoming educated, working educated mothers within the context of Turkey. According to the recently emerging momism concept, mother is redefined as an ‘expert’ who should predict and understand all the emotional, cognitive and physiological needs of their children. Mothers should be simultaneously therapists, pediatricians, teachers and best friends for their children. Similarly, intensive mothering suggests that child-rearing is construed as child-centered, expert guided, emotionally and economically absorbing, and labor intensive. Intensive mothering and momism appears to be common among well-educated working women The aim of this paper is to draw attention to the intensive mothering experiences of working mothers particularly in Turkey and facilitate the much needed research for in this realm.