Motherhood as a Societal Construct_ Historical and Literary Perspectives.pdf

The presentation, titled Motherhood as a Societal Construct: Historical and Literary Perspectives, explores how historical narratives and literary representations have shaped the concept of motherhood as a societal tool. It critically examines the ways in which motherhood has been idealized to reinforce nationalist and patriarchal ideologies, often limiting women's autonomy and identity. The presentation begins by addressing the symbolic personification of the nation as a mother, particularly through the figure of Bharat Mata, which has been instrumental in fostering nationalist sentiment. It further delves into the historical emergence of this concept, tracing its literary and artistic depictions, such as in Anandamath by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and the paintings of Abanindranath Tagore.

Following this, the presentation discusses how motherhood has been utilized as a patriarchal construct, enforcing traditional gender roles that restrict women’s agency. Cultural narratives, especially in India, often depict motherhood as the pinnacle of a woman’s existence, sidelining her personal aspirations and reinforcing societal pressures. Drawing from feminist critiques, the presentation highlights how this idealization sustains patriarchal control, affecting women's career growth and individual freedoms.

The analysis then shifts to literary representations of motherhood, illustrating how literature critiques and challenges these societal constructs. Novels such as Buchi Emecheta’s The Joys of Motherhood and Toni Morrison’s Beloved offer profound insights into the duality of motherhood—both as a source of fulfillment and a mechanism of oppression. These literary works reveal the sacrifices women make under societal expectations and underscore the consequences of idealized maternal roles.

Ultimately, the presentation concludes that motherhood has been historically and literarily constructed as a powerful ideological tool, shaping gender roles and limiting women’s autonomy. However, by engaging with critical perspectives and literary narratives, we can challenge these conventional frameworks and work towards a redefinition of motherhood that allows for greater gender equality and personal freedom.

1. Motherhood as a
Societal Construct:
Historical and Literary
Perspectives
22413 Paper 206: The African Literature
Presented at: Sujata Binoy Gardi, Department of English (MKBU)

2. Academic details
Presented by: Yashrajsinh Sodha
Enrollment Number : 5108230043
Email: [email protected]
Batch: 2023-2025
Date: 10 March 2025
Subject Code: 22413
Roll No: 28

3. Research Question:
How have historical narratives and literary representations contributed to the
construction of motherhood as a societal tool for nationalism and patriarchy, and what
are the implications of these representations on women's autonomy and identity?
Hypothesis:
Motherhood, as a societal construct, has been historically and literarily idealized to
reinforce nationalist and patriarchal ideologies, limiting women’s autonomy and shaping
their roles based on cultural expectations rather than individual agency.

4. “the state or time of being a mother.” (Motherhood)
Motherhood
●Motherhood as a Nationalist Symbol.
●Motherhood Reinforcing Patriarchal Norms.
●Literary Reflections on Motherhood.

5. Personification of the Nation as Mother:
The portrayal of the nation as a maternal figure, Bharat Mata (Mother India), has been a potent
symbol in Indian nationalism.
This personification serves to evoke a sense of familial loyalty and devotion among citizens,
positioning the nation as a mother deserving of reverence and sacrifice.
Historical Emergence of Bharat Mata:
The concept of Bharat Mata gained prominence in the late 19th century, notably through literary and
artistic expressions.
Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's novel Anandamath (1882) featured the hymn "Vande Mataram,"
which venerates the motherland and became a rallying cry for freedom fighters. (Chattopadhyaya)
Artistic Depictions Reinforcing Nationalism:
Artists like Abanindranath Tagore contributed to the nationalist movement by creating visual
representations of Bharat Mata.
Critique of the slogan(Vande Mataram) in ‘The Home and the World’ (Tagore)

Motherhood as a Nationalist Tool
(Tagore, Abanindranath, 1905)

6. Societies idealize motherhood to enforce traditional gender roles, limiting
women’s autonomy.

Examples:
Cultural Narratives in India:

●Motherhood is depicted as a woman’s ultimate role, sidelining other
aspirations.
●The socio-cultural construct of motherhood in India is deeply rooted in
traditional narratives (Khanna).

Patriarchal Beliefs:

●Women's worth is tied to motherhood, restricting empowerment.
●Patriarchy is a social and ideological construct that subjugates women
(Rawat).

Impact:
●Women face societal pressure to conform to self-sacrificing maternal
roles.
●Limits career growth and personal autonomy, reinforcing patriarchal
control.







Motherhood as a Patriarchal Construct
(India Today)

7. Key Idea: Literature reflects and critiques the constructed ideal of motherhood.

"The Joys of Motherhood" by Buchi Emecheta:

●Explores motherhood as both a source of pride and oppression.
●Nnu Ego's sacrifices for her children highlight societal expectations and
personal costs.

"Beloved" by Toni Morrison:

●Challenges idealized motherhood by portraying it in the context of slavery.
●Sethe's act of infanticide reflects the extreme measures taken to protect
one's children from the horrors of enslavement.

Impact:
●Literature exposes the exploitation of motherhood and challenges societal
norms.
●These narratives prompt readers to question and reassess traditional views
on motherhood.
Motherhood in Literature

8. Conclusion
Motherhood has been used as a powerful societal tool in nationalism,
patriarchy, and social control, shaping women’s roles and limiting their
autonomy. Literature critiques these constructs by exposing the
sacrifices and struggles tied to motherhood. The idealization of mothers
reinforces patriarchal expectations, often at the cost of women’s
individual aspirations. By recognizing these patterns, we can challenge
traditional narratives and redefine motherhood beyond societal
constraints, fostering greater gender equality and personal freedom.

9. References:
“Why RPF’s Celebration of Constable with Baby Is Earning It Wrath.” India Today, 24 Feb. 2025,
www.indiatoday.in/india/story/new-delhi-railway-station-stampede-lady-rpf-constable-baby-crowds-da
ngers-laws-constitutions-legal-explained-2684684-2025-02-24 . Accessed 25 Feb. 2025.

Tagore, Abanindranath. Bharat Mata (Painting). Victoria Memorial Hall in Kolkata, India, 1905.

ChatGPT. Discussion on Motherhood as a Societal Tool. OpenAI, 25 Feb. 2025, chat.openai.com.

Chattopadhyaya, Bankim Chandra. Anandamath. Orient Paperbacks, 2006.
Emecheta, Buchi. The Joys of Motherhood: A Novel. G. Braziller, 1979. Accessed 26 February 2025.
Khanna, Monica. “Deconstructing the Ideology of Motherhood _ an Investigation into the Socio_cultural
Construct of Motherhood in India through an Analysis of Cultural Narratives from 1970s to the
Present.” Shodhganga, 1 Jan. 1970, shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/handle/10603/119302. Accessed 25 Feb.
2025.

Morrison, Toni. Beloved. Vintage International, 2004. Accessed 26 February 2025.

10. Motherhood | English Meaning - Cambridge Dictionary ,
dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/motherhood . Accessed 25 Feb. 2025.
Rawat, Preeti S. “Patriarchal Beliefs, Women’s Empowerment, and General Well-Being.” Sage Journals, 1
Apr. 2014, journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0256090920140206 . Accessed 25 Feb. 2025.

Tagore, Rabindranath. The Home and the World. Trans. by Surendranath Tagore, Penguin Books, 2005.

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