By: Jessica Reynolds
Updated: Dec. 20, 2015
Originally Published: April 26, 2015
What roles do women fulfill? A significant number are mothers. While motherhood is undoubtedly one of the most vital roles in society, women also engage in numerous other significant pursuits. In fact, women have the potential to excel in virtually any career.
Historical Context
Consider how we might frame discussions about historical figures. For instance, if a handout about President’s Day began with: “What did George Washington do? He was a dad!” It would seem absurd. While fatherhood is an essential role for men, Washington is primarily remembered for leading a revolution and establishing a nation, not merely his role as a father. Men’s achievements are rarely contextualized by their parental responsibilities. However, when we discuss influential women, motherhood often overshadows their professional accomplishments, even when addressing young audiences.
Interestingly, most of the women my son studied in history class—like Amelia Earhart, Clara Barton, and Susan B. Anthony—did not have children. Sacagawea was a notable exception, raising a child while making her mark in history. As I grumble about the chaos of managing my three children, I can’t help but admire her determination trekking across the Pacific Northwest with an infant. It seems the curriculum emphasized motherhood as the “most important job” perhaps to avoid offending stay-at-home moms or to remind working mothers of their primary role. When comparing my contributions—like organizing playdates—to Harriet Tubman’s monumental work, it’s hard not to see the disparity.
The Problematic Narrative
This fixation on defining women’s worth through motherhood has become problematic. Non-working mothers often feel their significance is diminished by the glorification of working mothers, while the latter may feel pressured by the notion that motherhood eclipses their professional achievements. Such conversations, while they may seem trivial on social media, become dangerous when they shape the worldview of young children.
Our kids—both boys and girls—shouldn’t be taught that motherhood is the ultimate measure of a woman’s life. By labeling motherhood a “job,” we send the message that it’s the only defining aspect of womanhood. But the reality is, motherhood doesn’t come with a paycheck, a possibility of termination, or the option to leave in search of something else. It demands hard work, it can be exhausting, and yes, it might even keep us awake at night. Yet, it transcends the notion of a job. It is something uniquely different, and it’s high time we acknowledge this distinction.
Encouraging Diverse Aspirations
My son often talks about growing up to be a father, envisioning a future where he might allow his children to wear shorts in winter. He also dreams of becoming a professional soccer player. To him, these aspirations are separate, as they should be. It’s essential that the narratives we share, whether in classrooms or online, recognize the multifaceted nature of women’s lives without reducing them solely to motherhood.
Resources for Exploration
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Conclusion
To summarize, motherhood is a vital and cherished experience, but it should not be defined as a job. Women have a multitude of roles and achievements that deserve recognition beyond their identities as mothers.