Conceptualising motherhood in twentieth century South Africa

Mothering: an unacknowledged aspect of undergraduate clinical teachers’ work in nursing

“…Indeed, it may be viewed as irresponsible not to support students in these situations. The finding of clinical teachers adopting 'mothering' aspects to their role offers a degree of support for students who are placed in complex and unpredictable environments and is consistent with the role of a mother (Walker 1995;Elvin-Nowak and Thomsson 2001;Forcey 1994;Stevens and Meleis 1991). These findings are also consistent with links made between teachers and mothering in early years of education (Vogt 2002;Pinnegar et al 2005;Forrester 2005).…”

“…However, as noted by Walker (1995), there remains an absence of explicit definition of motherhood in spite the universal use of the term as authoritative and imbued with a range of associated implicit expectations of mothers. Feminist debates about the gendered division of labour associated with child care, and the consequent marginalisation of women (Manne 2005;Tong 1989) have contributed to the under developed understanding of the concept of mothering.…”

“…Literature exploring the practices of mothers suggests that the core activities associated with mothering of children include: physical care; nurturance; and socialisation (Walker 1995;Elvin-Nowak and Thomsson 2001;Forcey 1994;Stevens and Meleis 1991), all of which can occur within a range of circumstances. Mothering can be undertaken by one or a group of individuals, and while birthing is limited to women, the activities of mothering are not gender specific (Bolen 1992).…”

Disobedient Daughters? Changing Women's Roles in Rural Households in KwaZulu-Natal

“…Yet, Walker observes, what has persisted with remarkable tenacity from the precolonial period into the present is the importance that continues to be attached to women's fertility, not just by patriarchs but by African women themselves: and this, I suggest, structures a certain continuity in feelings of self-worth, celebration and power in many African women's social identity as mothers. 52 Walker goes on to note that marriage and motherhood are increasingly becoming uncoupled in practice, reflecting the continued desire of young women to have children even if they are sceptical of the benefits of marriage.…”

Social justice, care and developmental welfare in South Africa: a capabilities perspective

“…There is, of course, a strong maternalist tradition in South African women's movement politics, in which women have been politically mobilised on the basis of their familial ideologies (Walker 1995). Eileen Boris has described this linkage between experiences of motherhood and the politics of women's rights as a form of 'social housekeeping' (Boris 1993, p. 214).…”