Motherhood Definition Essay

The role of women has oscillated over time, and affected their status in society and control they have over their own lives. Throughout history women generally have had fewer legal rights and career opportunities than men. Motherhood is regarded as women's most significant professions but in the 20th century, women in most nations won the right to vote and increased their educational and job opportunities. During the 40s women's roles and expectations in society were changing rapidly. Previously women had very little say in society and were stereotyped to stay home, make babies, be a good home maker and wife. The 1940s were different, life for women was expanding, the men were at war and someone had to step up and take the men's place. In literary works, such as, “The Story of an Hour”, “The Storm”, “A …show more content…
Olsen faced the same challenges, as her life was marked by the struggle to balance her family’s demands and political activism. Those involved with the women movement in the 1960s embraced the story’s sensitive portrayal of the difficulties and self-doubts that infiltrated motherhood. They also praised the story’s exploration of the effect that child rearing had on female identity during the Great Depression and World War II. Literary Critic, Robert Kloss says, “Indeed, this tale does raise significant questions about what can and cannot be helped in the upbringing of a child, and discussions of the story usually center on emotional deprivation, personal responsibility, and the question of guilt” (6). Being the perfect parent is impossible. Children will grow up per how they were mentored, for example, ethics and morals. Morals are principles by which young children abide by, that will ultimately shape their behavior. Although on the opposite, single parents like