Cultural Contradictions of Motherhood Essay Example

are not fully involved, these mothers often assume both parental roles.

Stepmothers play different roles in blended American families, with varying levels of involvement as caregivers for the children. Their main responsibility is to establish and enforce rules within the limits set by the main caregiver or parent. While they may treat the child as their own, they need permission from the biological parent for matters related to discipline, healthcare, and parenting decisions. Additionally, mothers who care for foster children or non-biological children often assume a primary caregiving role alongside the father.

In Hispanic culture, women are traditionally in charge of taking care of the home and family, including extended relatives, while their husbands hold the position of household leaders. Family holds great importance in Hispanic culture, and all members are expected to provide help and support to one another. However, it is important to acknowledge that not all mothers conform to these stereotypes; many fulfill nurturing, guiding, and financially supporting roles on their own or in collaboration with others.

In Hispanic culture, women play a central role in ensuring family unity and overall well-being. In contrast, ancient Chinese society confined women mostly to their homes and considered them as burdens until they married into another family. However, in present-day Chinese culture, the role of women has extended beyond domestic responsibilities.

In the Arab-Muslim family, women are expected to fulfill specific roles as mothers, sisters, or wives with no room for ambiguity. Gender mixing is discouraged in this society, limiting opportunities for women to form friendships or romantic relationships. Their interactions with men are restricted to specific situations such as childbirth, reporting to their father or brother, or getting

married. The value of an Arab woman within her family or social circle often depends on her ability to bear male children. Consequently, women who cannot conceive or have daughters experience significantly higher rates of divorce.

Arab women reject the use of contraceptives as they believe their worth lies in bearing sons and earning respect from their in-laws. The bond between a mother and her male child holds immense importance within Arab families and plays a dominant role in Muslim society. A man can only regard, admire, and love his mother. Through her son, the mother finds affirmation for her suppressed emotions and life sacrifices, making him a source of pride and survival. She yearns to retain possession of her son indefinitely. Consequently, the mother of a male child often interferes to hinder the growth of love and companionship between her son and his wife.

She consistently demands that her son takes her side against his wife. While mother roles vary from state to state, culture to culture, and household to household, the typical portrayal of a mother in a family involves nurturing sensuality and morality. Mothers often teach children various household skills, actively participate in the education process, and provide support during emotional difficulties. They often become the person whom children turn to for comfort. In contrast, fathers predominantly focus on developing values such as honor and other practical traits that children can benefit from in adulthood. Mothers, on the other hand, cultivate inner qualities that children can utilize in their relationships with others, particularly within close-knit communities and personal connections.

The information suggests that while mothers are important in all three cultures, there are distinct variations

in how they fulfill their role. However, I believe motherhood aligns with the functional theory as women's role as mothers contributes to the overall unity and solidarity of each society.