Research projects unveiled on the day:
The Making of Modern Motherhood by Professor Rachel Thomson and Doctor Mary Jane Kehily of the Open University. This study examined how motherhood affects womens identity and the generational differences that exist in ideas about motherhood.
Beoming a Mother by Professor Wendy Holloway of the Open University, and Professor Ann Phoenix of the Thomas Coram Research Unit at the Institute of Education. This followed women experiencing their first pregnancy and the influences on the decisions they made.
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On July 2nd the Family and Parenting Institute (FPI), in partnership with the Open University, hosted a conference entitled Modern Motherhood - Changes and Challenges.
Kate Harvey was there.
Sally Gimson, campaign manager for the FPI, used the event to launch the report "Listening to Mother" which calls for a review of government policy for working families
She believes that some women underestimate motherhood and the penalty they may face for having children.
The FPI are calling for policy-makers to look again at the distinct situation of mothers. The focus on parenting, encompassing mothers and fathers has, the FPI believe, 'had the unintended consequence of short-changing mothers.'
While women have more opportunities to work than ever before, the type of work available, and the costs to them in childcare, as well as the pressure of juggling their responsibilities, means the concept of 'having it all' is unrealistic.
“It’s not about having it all, but it is about fairness.”
And it could be an opportune time to start the debate as Carey Oppenheim, Co-Director of the Institute for Public Policy Research, observed:
“I think interestingly, politically, there’s actually competition between the different parties about trying to put this at the top of their agenda. That would be inconceivable ten years ago.”
Sue Gerhardt, founder of the Oxford Parent Infant Project, believes the importance of early care for a baby’s development should not be forgotten.
“We have made fantastic progress in a relatively short space of time in establishing a much broader identity for women.”
“But in the process, women’s demands to have the same rights to work as men have, I think, turned slowly but surely into an obligation to be paid employees.”
“The key to change is to realise that early parenting is a piece of work that is actually central to our culture and should be valued accordingly.”
Maria Miller MP, Shadow Minister for Children, praised the recognition of the role work can play in improving condition for families, but warned:
“The apparent choice can, in reality, feel rather shallow when you’re trying to make motherhood balance with work life.”
“Going back into the workplace is a great choice to be able to have, but maybe it’s not so much of a choice if it’s a financial necessity. And we know that some women would like to have more of a choice to stay at home.”
“So all too often it can feel like there’s still a motherhood penalty there, and that’s something that politicians need to face up to. And yes, progress has been made, but there’s still really a way to go for mothers.”