Embodying Motherhood: Perspectives From Contemporary India

India, with its diverse culture and rich heritage, has always celebrated motherhood. It is a country where motherhood is revered and considered a sacred duty. The role of mothers in Indian society has now been evolving rapidly, embracing new perspectives and challenges in a dynamic and ever-changing world.

The Changing Face of Motherhood:

In contemporary India, motherhood has taken on new dimensions. Women are no longer defined solely by their roles as mothers, but also as individuals with dreams, aspirations, and careers. This shift has given rise to a fascinating exploration of how women in India are navigating the complex terrain of motherhood while juggling various other roles.

Embodying Motherhood: Perspectives from Contemporary India

by Anu Aneja (1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1730 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	252 pages

FREE

Women Striking a Balance:

Many Indian women are now choosing to pursue their careers alongside being mothers. From doctors and engineers to artists and entrepreneurs, these women are not only breaking societal norms but also redefining success in motherhood. They are proving that it is indeed possible to be both an attentive mother and a successful professional.

Indian mothers are utilizing their multitasking skills to juggle various responsibilities. They have become adept at managing their time and energy efficiently, ensuring that both their personal and professional lives thrive.

Motherhood and Self-Care:

While being dedicated caretakers for their families, Indian mothers are increasingly recognizing the importance of self-care. They understand that taking care of themselves enables them to be better caregivers for their children. From practicing mindfulness and engaging in hobbies to pursuing fitness routines and seeking support from social networks, these mothers are prioritizing their well-being as an essential aspect of motherhood.

The Supportive Community:

India has always been known for its close-knit communities and extended family networks. This aspect of Indian society offers crucial support to mothers, especially during the early stages of motherhood. From grandparents to siblings and neighbors, the support system ensures that mothers never feel alone.

Affirming Maternal Experiences:

Indian society has become more accepting of diverse motherhood experiences. Single mothers, LGBTQ+ parents, and women pursuing motherhood through alternative methods such as surrogacy or adoption are finding greater acceptance and support in contemporary India. The idea of motherhood is expanding to include a wider range of experiences, celebrating the essence of unconditional love and care.

Motherhood and Empowerment:

As women in India embrace the multifaceted nature of motherhood, it is becoming a powerful tool for empowerment. The journey of motherhood is no longer confining or limiting but rather an opportunity to explore one's potential and embrace personal growth. Indian mothers are teaching their children the value of empathy, compassion, and equality, thereby shaping a more inclusive society for future generations.

:

Embodying motherhood in contemporary India goes beyond the traditional roles and expectations. It is about embracing the complexities and challenges, while also celebrating the empowerment and personal growth that comes with being a mother. Indian mothers are redefining success, prioritizing self-care, and expanding society's notion of what it means to be a mother. It is a journey that is unique, beautiful, and ever-evolving.

So, join us as we delve deeper into the perspectives of Indian mothers who are truly embodying the essence of motherhood in the diverse landscape of contemporary India.

Embodying Motherhood: Perspectives from Contemporary India

by Anu Aneja (1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1730 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	252 pages

FREE

Embodying Motherhood examines motherhood discourse in urban India, in the context of prevailing motherhood ideologies from a feminist perspective. The authors’ particular location as mothers and feminist scholars within an urban Indian setting and their diverse disciplinary backgrounds in social sciences and literary and cultural studies informs the interdisciplinary and intersectional framework of the book.

The book engages with patriarchal motherhood ideologies and brings to the fore narratives of oppression and resistance. Covering a diverse landscape ranging from ancient myth and religion, psychoanalysis, care work, literature and cinema, the book explores the socio-economic and cultural frameworks within which women are constructed as ‘able’ or ‘disabled’ mothers. The notion of ‘deficit’ runs like a thread through the chapters, bringing to the fore the search for alternative and affirmative maternal subjectivities. The book contributes to an ongoing contemplation of the experience of contemporary motherhoods and seeks to engage with and transform motherhood discourse in India. It will be valuable reading for students and scholars of gender studies, psychoanalysis, literary and culture studies, and sociology, as well as all individuals who seek to find alternative ways of being mothers.