Through the Maze of Motherhood

Empowered Mothers Speak

Erika Horwitz

This is a unique book that is based and expands on qualitative research that explored the experience of mothers who resist the current discourse on mothering. Through the Maze of Motherhood conveys what it is like to resist a strong societal discourse and how some mothers have managed to navigate the intricacies of the process of resistance. This book also dispels the belief that there is one right way to mother and, therefore, suggests that a process of questioning and resisting the current myths may result in a more autonomous, agency driven, and empowered way to mother. This book will not only encourage resistance that can lead to freedom from the oppression of mainstream motherhood discourse, but it will also persuade women to refrain from judging one another and develop a strong community with a strong voice against the ideal of the perfect mother. Through the Maze of Motherhood gives voice to mothers who are in a process of resistance to the discourse on mothering as it unpacks the many benefits, intricacies, challenges, and struggles they experience. Moreover, the book provides evidence for the notion that critical thinking and resistance are experienced as empowering even though they present some challenges.

Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1: Mothering throughout history and across cultures

Chapter 2: The Myths of motherhood and their impact on mothers

Chapter 3: The Many Faces of Resistance

Chapter 4: Resistance as Empowerment

Chapter 5: A New Philosophy of Childhood

Chapter 6: No right way: Agency, freedom, and community.

About the Author

Dr. Erika Horwitz is a registered psychologist.  She is Director of Counselling Services at Simon Fraser University and a Lecturer both at Simon Fraser University and the University of British Columbia in their Faculties of Education and Counselling Psychology Programs. She has published several articles on the topic of motherhood, and has appeared on television and radio interviews as an expert and advocate for mothers.