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The goal of this paper is not to identify an alternative discourse – could we
realistically suggest an opposing identity of the ‘bad mother’! Nor is the intention to
challenge the legitimacy of the characteristics associated with the ‘good mother’, caring,
protecting and feeling proud of one’s children are hardly bad social practice. The analysis
offered here is guilty of focusing on those aspects of the talk that support a specific
ideological view. However, I would argue that, based on the data examined here women
are still under pressure to enact social roles that may no longer be relevant to their
everyday lives. Wilson challenges analysts to offer an alternative of what ‘good’
discursive practices might be, but if there are no traditions or precedents for that practice
that is not always possible. In identifying specific discourses that relate to the social ideal
of the ‘good mother’ we are reminded that this is an area of women’s lives that still
warrants active feminist debate. Women’s role in the work-place is now fully established
and perceptions of women’s multiple social roles need to be redefined to allow for the
‘good mother’ to be a working mother.
References
Bettelheim, B. (1987) A good enough parent: The guide to bringing up your child.
London: Thames & Hudson.
Bortolaia- Silva, E. (1996) Good enough mothering: Feminist perspectives of lone
Mothering. London: Routledge
Bowlby, J. (1969) Mother deprivation. Attachment and Loss. Vol 1 Attachment
International Psychological Analytical Library 79. Institute of
Psychological
Analysts.
Convention