Motherwork and the Interconnection of Public and Private Spheres
In her work, “Shifting the Center,” Hill Collins argues that placing the experiences of women of color at the center of the discussion about motherwork illuminates the interconnectedness of the public and private spheres, in contrast to the separation that emerges from assumptions embedded in the “Ideal Family” frame. This approach reveals that motherwork is not performed in a separate sphere but is inherently embedded in and organized in relation to public life.
Women of color often need to balance their roles as mothers with their necessity to work outside the home (Hill Collins 275-290). Their mother’s work is not confined to the private sphere but extends to the public sphere, where they continue to nurture and advocate for their children. Disengaging from the supposition that motherwork is fulfilled in a distinct area, disparities are discernible. The tribulations and struggles of those mothers who are obliged to traverse both public and private arenas at the same time are made apparent. These mothers often confront issues such as destitution, racial prejudice, and gender discrimination, which impact their motherwork.
Contradictions in Fatherhood: Involved vs. Marginalized Fathers
In his literature review “Fathering,” Coltrane discusses two ideal types of fathers: involved and marginalized. The involved fathers actively participate in child-rearing and household responsibilities, redefining traditional gender roles and fostering more equitable gender dynamics.
In contrast, marginalized fathers are often excluded from their children’s lives due to socioeconomic factors or personal circumstances. This typology relates to the idealized notion of “The Family,” where the father is seen as the breadwinner and the mother as the primary caregiver. Coltrane suggests that involved fathers are more likely to support egalitarian gender relations in the family (Coltrane 319-331). This is because their involvement in child-rearing and household chores challenges traditional gender roles and promotes equality.
Personal Reflections on Parenting and Gender Roles
Reflecting on my experiences as a daughter, I can relate to the readings about parenting. I saw my mother juggling her role as a mother and her work, which echoes Hill Collins’ argument about the interconnectedness of public and private spheres in motherwork. However, my father was more of an involved father, which challenges the biologized fatherhood notion and supports Coltrane’s idea of egalitarian gender relations.
Works Cited
Coltrane, Scot. “Fathering: Paradoxes, Contradictions, and Dilemmas. Handbook of Contemporary Families: Considering the Past, Contemplating the Future, edited by Marilyn Coleman and Lawrence H. Ganong, Sage Publications, 2004, pp. 319-331.
Hill Collins, Patricia. “Shifting the Center: Race, Class, and Feminist Theorizing About Motherhood. Representations of Motherhood, edited by Donna Basin, et al, Yale University Press, 1994, pp. 275-290.