“Evil Is Part of the Territory”: Inventing the Stepmother in Self-Help Books

Renegar, Valerie R.; Cole, Kirsti

doi:10.1080/07491409.2019.1660745

Cited by 7 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…The current research confirms that stepmothers are still overshadowed by this negative cultural narrative [21]. Many women who join blended families have little resources to guide them in their mothering role [31].…”

Section: Introductionsupporting

confidence: 69%

“…Their study showed that stepmothers are often portrayed as secondary to biological mothers whilst still being expected to perform intensive mothering to their stepchildren. These self-help books depicted stepmothers as tricksters who deceive themselves and others into believing they are "real" mothers, often exposed in family dynamics to be untrue, leading to negative stepmother experiences [31].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Stepmother experiences are portrayed as making peace with being "lesser-than caregivers" who are still required to perform mothering and place their stepchildren's needs above their own ( [31], p. 529). Renegar et al, 2019 [31] call on scholars to contribute to the research on stepmothering in how it is defined, characterized and aimed at specific groups (white, heterosexual, Christian and affluent women).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Where Is the Research about Stepmothers? A Scoping Review

Scholtz

Spies

2023

Psych

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Developments in remarriage and divorce have led to an influx of research on stepfamilies. However, previous studies show that the experiences of stepmothers are underreported. Therefore, a scoping review of the currently available academic literature (2012–2022) on stepmother experiences was conducted to identify the way forward for future research. A final sample of 11 articles indicate that stepmother research is mainly WEIRD and qualitative. Stepmothers reportedly experience ambivalent emotions which they often deal with silently, whilst navigating ambiguous stepmother roles with possibly limited support or acknowledgement under the wicked stepmother stereotype. Counselling and research are encouraged to assist this forgotten member of the stepfamily. Gaps in research and further research opportunities are identified.

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Section: Introductionsupporting

confidence: 69%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Where Is the Research about Stepmothers? A Scoping Review

Scholtz

Spies

2023

Psych

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“…1. The readers encounter conflict resolution strategies such as reframing or renaming, which are widespread in self-help literature ( Renegar & Cole, 2019 ). The most obvious example of reframing is negotiation of self-image during pregnancy without a partner.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Scholars have conducted surveys in attempt to trace the history of advice books for women ( Urban, 2006 ) and to discern the portrayals of different types of motherhood, such as stepmothers, within this genre ( Renegar & Cole, 2019 ). Renegar and Cole have identified common trends in the representation of mothers in self-help books that tend to comply with heteronormative requirements because these books are often “written by white, cisgender, heterosexual, and affluent women who have transitioned from successful single women to stepmothers” (2019, p. 512).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Dynamics of single mothers’ semantic strategies in Anglophone non-fiction

Sergeev¹

2023

Open Res Europe

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The article discusses how the increasing number of self-help books for single mothers is meeting the demand for positive narratives about their experiences, which are often stereotyped in the media. The books offer a powerful tool for self-reflection, and content analysis reveals semantic strategies that authors use to construct, negotiate, and reframe single motherhood. The authors aim to challenge societal expectations and redefine what constitutes a family. There are still conflicting messages that perpetuate negative stereotypes and stigmas about single mothers, propelling identity negotiation. The seven principal semantic strategies applied in the texts include reframing, renaming, normalization, direct or indirect confrontations, distinctions, self-labelling, and vernacular. By using semantic strategies, authors aim to empower single mothers, challenge negative stereotypes, and create a sense of community. While there are limitations to the self-help genre, it remains a powerful tool for self-reflection, self-empowerment, and the construction of identity.

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Girls Gone Fundamentalist: Feminine Appeals of White Christian Nationalism

Mikkelsen

Kornfield

2021

Women's Studies in Communication

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“Evil Is Part of the Territory”: Inventing the Stepmother in Self-Help Books

Cited by 7 publications

References 15 publications

Where Is the Research about Stepmothers? A Scoping Review

Where Is the Research about Stepmothers? A Scoping Review

Dynamics of single mothers’ semantic strategies in Anglophone non-fiction

Girls Gone Fundamentalist: Feminine Appeals of White Christian Nationalism

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