La imagen de la maternidad como fenómeno sociocultural: un estudio cualitativo-cuantitativo de la obra de Maya Angelou Gulsaira Ibraimova 1 , Kanykei Kalieva 2 , Makhabat Alishova 3 , Zhyldyz Chymanova 4 , Aiida Asylbekova 5 1 Profesor Asociado de la Universidad Estatal Kirguisa que lleva el nombre de I. Arabaev, Bishkek, República Kirguisa. E-mail: gulsara2508@mail.ru; ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9458-2181. 2 Profesor asociado de la Universidad Kirguiso-Turca de Manas, Bishkek, República Kirguisa. E-mail: kanykei.kalieva@manas.edu.kg; ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4121-3163. 3 Profesor asociado en la Universidad Estatal de Bishkek que lleva el nombre de K. Karasaev, Bishkek, República Kirguisa. E-mail: alishova.mahabat@mail.ru; ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0008-6174-9839. 4 Profesor titular de la Universidad kirguiso-turca de Manas, Bishkek, República Kirguisa. E-mail: cildiz.cimanova@manas.edu.kg; ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-6336-1952. 5 Profesor titular de la Universidad kirguiso-turca de Manas, Bishkek, República Kirguisa. E-mail: aasylbekova@yahoo.com; ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-0320-5057. Resumen. La poesía de Maya Angelou aborda temas de identidad, resistencia y las luchas a las que se enfrentan las mujeres, haciendo hincapié en la imagen de la madre. Este trabajo explora la representación de la madre en la obra poética de An- gelou, centrándose en su papel como símbolo de identidad cultural y encarnación de la fuerza emocional y espiritual. A través de un enfoque crítico temático, este estudio examina cómo Angelou entrelaza las experiencias personales con la memoria colectiva para representar la figura de la madre de un modo que trasciende las nociones tradi- cionales, entretejiendo reflexiones socioculturales más amplias sobre la maternidad. Utilizando una combinación de métodos cuantitativos y cualitativos, el artículo anali- za la prevalencia de las figuras femeninas, en particular las madres, en “e Complete Collected Poems” (1994) de Angelou, clasificando su representación a través de varias dimensiones como el amor, el sacrificio, la opresión racial y el orgullo cultural. En última instancia, este estudio destaca la centralidad de la maternidad en la exploración que Angelou hace de la feminidad, ofreciendo una comprensión más profunda de sus contribuciones literarias a las tradiciones literarias feminista y afroamericana. Palabras clave: poesía, representación de la mujer, imagen de la madre, Maya Angelou, maternidad. Recibido: 04/12/2024 ~ Aceptado: 20/02/2025 INTERACCIÓN Y PERSPECTIVA Revista de Trabajo Social ISSN 2244-808X ~ Dep. Legal pp 201002Z43506 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15080651 Vol. 15 (2): 622 - 631 pp, 2025

La imagen de la maternidad como fenómeno sociocultural: estudio cualitativo-cuantitativo de la obra de Maya Angelou 623 Vol. 15(2) abril-junio 2025/ 622 - 631 e image of motherhood as a socio-cultural phenomenon: a qualitative-quantitative study of Maya Angelou’s works Abstract. Maya Angelou’s poetry engages with themes of identity, resilience, and the struggles women face, with an emphasis on the image of the mother. is paper ex- plores the representation of mothers in Angelou’s poetic works, focusing on their roles as symbols of cultural identity, and embodiments of emotional and spiritual strength. rough a thematic critical approach, this study examines how Angelou intertwines personal experiences with collective memory to depict the figure of the mother in a way that transcends traditional notions, weaving in broader socio-cultural reflec- tions on motherhood. Using a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, the paper analyzes the prevalence of female figures, particularly mothers, in Angelou’s “e Complete Collected Poems” (1994), categorizing their portrayal across various dimensions such as love, sacrifice, racial oppression, and cultural pride. Ultimately, this study highlights the centrality of motherhood in Angelou’s exploration of wom- anhood, offering a deeper understanding of her literary contributions to feminist and African American literary traditions. Key words: poetry, representation of women, image of mother, Maya Angelou, mothering. INTRODUCTION Maya Angelou’s poetry is deeply rooted in thematic representations of womanhood, race, and resilience, particularly as experienced by Black women in America. Her work reflects a femi- nist and African American literary tradition that prioritizes personal narratives as a means of con- veying broader socio-cultural issues. Central to her exploration of these themes is the image of the mother, who is portrayed as a multifaceted figure embodying love, sacrifice, cultural identity, and spiritual strength. e thematic approach considers the diverse roles mothers play in Angelou’s work, from emotional anchors to symbols of resilience in the face of racial oppression. Poems such as “Mothering Blackness” and “Woman Work” reflect the duality of motherhood, where the mother is depicted both as a source of comfort and as a figure burdened by societal expectations and struggles (Angellou, 1994). Angelou often juxtaposes nurturing imagery with the harsh reali- ties of racial and gender-based oppression, thus creating a complex narrative of what it means to be a mother in the Black American experience. By emphasizing themes such as cultural pride, personal sacrifice, and spiritual fulfillment, Angelou’s poetry serves as both a personal reflection and a socio-cultural critique. THEORETICAL ASPECTS Mothering has been a central theme in literary studies, social theory, psychology, and feminist studies, with scholars examining the expectations, roles, and images associated with motherhood across various cultures and historical periods. Mothers are often idealized as the foundation of moral and social order, leading to the perception of the mother as a figure responsible for shaping not only individual children but also society as a whole. Scholars have introduced theoretical concepts sur- rounding mothering, such as “Intensive Mothering” (Hays, 1996), which refers to the expectation

624 Ibraimova, Kalieva, Alishova, Chymanova, Asylbekova Interacción y Perspectiva. Revista de Trabajo Social Vol. 15(2): 2025 that mothers must be highly involved, nurturing, and attentive to their children’s needs, often rely- ing on expert advice rather than personal intuition. is ideology has become a dominant cultural narrative, positioning mothers as responsible for their children’s future success or failure, frequently at the expense of their own desires and identities (Hays, 1996). Sociologists Ulrich Beck and Elisa- beth Beck-Gernsheim (2002) argue that the advice offered by experts has transformed motherhood into a serious responsibility. Beginning in the mid-20th century, mothers became increasingly reli- ant on childcare manuals and professional advice, seeing themselves as caretakers whose actions could have significant long-term effects on their children’s development (Beck & Beck-Gernsheim, 2002). Martin Woodhead (1997) discusses how the needs of children and the role of mothers are shaped by cultural projections. She argues that professional advice on parenting creates an image of what children supposedly need, which mothers are expected to fulfill, based on adult societal values rather than the actual needs of children (Woodward, 1997). e other scholars highlight the societal pressures and expectations placed on mothers, reinforcing the notion that motherhood is not just a personal role but a culturally constructed and socially enforced identity (Ruddick, 1983). In alignment with thematic, feminist and post-colonial critiques (Glenn, 1994), Angelou’s representation of the mother figure also reclaims the maternal image from patriarchal and Euro- centric narratives, presenting the mother as a source of empowerment (Bell, 1979). is analysis of Angelou’s poetic themes provides a critical framework for understanding how the poet elevates the maternal figure to a symbol of cultural and emotional resilience, deeply intertwined with the collec- tive experience of African American women. METHODS AND METHODOLOGY is paper employs a mixed-methods approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative analyses to explore the representation of mothers in Maya Angelou’s poetry. e methodology is de- signed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the prevalence and significance of the maternal figure in Angelou’s work, while also offering in-depth thematic analysis. Quantitative analysis was conducted on e Complete Collected Poems of Maya Angelou (1994), focusing on the number of times women are referenced and how many poems are explicitly dedi- cated to them (Angellou, 1994). Out of the 167 poems in the collection, 1227 instances of female representation were recorded, with 37 poems specifically dedicated to women, and 12 focused on mothers. is quantitative data offers insight into the prominence of the female experience, par- ticularly motherhood, within Angelou’s body of work. A specific focus is given to poems where the mother figure plays a central role in conveying broader thematic messages, such as resilience, love, and cultural pride. Qualitative aspect of the study involves a thematic analysis of selected poems, particularly those in which mothers are portrayed, such as “Mothering Blackness”, “Woman Work,” and “A Song Flung Up to Heaven”. Each poem is examined for recurring motifs, metaphors, and sym- bols that contribute to the representation of the mother as a figure of emotional and cultural significance. is analysis seeks to uncover how Angelou uses imagery and metaphor to convey the maternal experience within a broader socio-political context. By drawing on feminist and post-colonial theoretical frameworks, this study explores the intersection of race, gender, and motherhood in Angelou’s work.

La imagen de la maternidad como fenómeno sociocultural: estudio cualitativo-cuantitativo de la obra de Maya Angelou 625 Vol. 15(2) abril-junio 2025/ 622 - 631 Categorization and symbolic interpretation were held to categorize the portrayal of moth- ers in Angelou’s poetry, a detailed symbolic interpretation of the mother as a protector, nurturer, cultural anchor, and spiritual guide is conducted. is involves close readings of selected poems, focusing on the recurring symbols associated with motherhood, such as warmth, home, shelter, and heritage. Additionally, the use of cultural and religious imagery in Angelou’s depiction of mothers is explored, particularly in relation to African American identity and the historical experience of Black women in the United States. Diagrammatic representation is used to visually represent the categorization of women in Angelou’s poetry, with a particular focus on mothers. is helps to illustrate the central role that the maternal figure plays within the broader thematic framework of Angelou’s work. By using this combination of methods, the study provides a multifaceted view of how Ange- lou represents the image of the mother in her poetry, offering both statistical evidence and detailed thematic interpretation. e mixed-methods approach allows for a nuanced understanding of An- gelou’s portrayal of motherhood as both a personal and a collective experience, deeply rooted in cultural, racial, and gendered identities. THE REPRESENTATION OF WOMEN IN ANGELOU’S POETRY Maya Angelou, a celebrated poet and author, often portrayed the image of women in her poetry, particularly emphasizing themes such as identity, resilience, and the struggles women face. Among her depictions, the image of the mother is especially profound, where she intertwines personal experiences, collective memory, and socio-cultural reflections on motherhood. is paper will examine how Ange- lou represents women, especially mothers, by analyzing selected poems from e Complete Collected Poems of Maya Angelou (Angellou, 1994). Using both quantitative and qualitative methods, we will explore the prevalence of women and mothers in her poetry and categorize their portrayal. Before exploring the specific representation of mothers, it is essential to assess how women are portrayed overall in Angelou’s poetry. A quantitative analysis of the 167 poems in e Complete Collected Poems of Maya Angelou reveals that women are mentioned in 1227 instances. Out of these, 37 poems are explicitly dedicated to women, which constitutes 22.15% of her total poetic work. Additionally, 110 of the 167 poems (approximately 65.87%) are narrated from the perspective of female speakers. is analysis underscores Angelou’s significant focus on women, making the female experience, in various forms, a central theme in her body of work. Graph 1. Number of women represented in Maya Angelou’s poetry

626 Ibraimova, Kalieva, Alishova, Chymanova, Asylbekova Interacción y Perspectiva. Revista de Trabajo Social Vol. 15(2): 2025 From this analysis, it is clear that women occupy a critical space in Angelou’s poetry, whether as subjects or speakers. Mothers, in particular, emerge as symbolic figures who embody strength, resilience, love, and sacrifice. Angelou often uses the image of the mother to address broader societal issues, such as racial oppression and the collective experiences of African American women. CATEGORIZATION OF WOMEN IN ANGELOU’S POETRY A detailed analysis of the 37 poems dedicated to women allows us to categorize the representa- tion of women into various types. Among these categories, mothers stand out as figures of nurtur- ing, sacrifice, and emotional resilience. We identified five primary categories: the poetess herself, oppressed women, confident women, goddesses, and mothers. Each category represents a specific aspect of womanhood, but for the purposes of this paper, we will focus on the portrayal of mothers. e image of mother in Angelou’s poetry One of the central ways in which Angelou represents the image of the mother is through her dual role as a nurturer and a figure of sacrifice. is duality is especially apparent in the poem Moth- ering Blackness, where the mother is depicted not only as a beloved figure but also as someone who has endured pain and oppression. e opening lines set the tone for this characterization: “She came down creeping / here to the black arms waiting / now to the warm heart waiting...” (Angelou, 1994: 51). In these lines, Angelou uses imagery such as “black arms” and “warm heart” to depict the mother as a comforting and nurturing presence. e maternal figure is the one who is constantly awaited and cherished, signifying the deep bond between mother and child. However, this depiction is layered with the history of racial oppression and suffering, as seen in the following lines: “Deep in the smothering blackness / white tears icicle gold plains of her face / She came home running...” (Angelou, 1994: 51). Here, Angelou juxtaposes the mother’s nurturing role with her status as an oppressed figure. e “white tears” and “icicle” imagery convey the deep emotional pain she has endured, symbolizing the historical suffering of Black women. e mother’s return home signifies both an escape and a return to the safety of her familial role. Graph 2. Representation of the image of women in Maya Angelou’s poetry

La imagen de la maternidad como fenómeno sociocultural: estudio cualitativo-cuantitativo de la obra de Maya Angelou 627 Vol. 15(2) abril-junio 2025/ 622 - 631 In this diagram, the representation of women in Maya Angelou’s poetry is broken down into various categories, with a specific focus on the figure of the mother. e diagram shows that out of a set of poems dedicated to women, 12 are specifically categorized as focusing on the mother. is highlights the prominence of motherhood in Angelou’s portrayal of women. e diagram fur- ther classifies other representations of women, showing that Angelou also explores various aspects of womanhood, including the poetess, oppressed women, goddesses, beloved women, and others. Each category explores the diverse experiences and roles women occupy in Angelou’s work, but the significant number of poems (12) focusing on mothers suggests that motherhood holds a central place in her poetic exploration of womanhood. In Maya Angelou’s poetry, the image of the mother transcends traditional roles, capturing the multifaceted nature of motherhood. Angelou’s portrayal of the mother figure is rich and varied, embodying love, trust, a connection to homeland, spirituality, and cultural pride. Graph 3. Representation of the image of mother in Maya Angelou’s poetry Mother as Love In the lines, “And you will learn the words of love / Mother Brother Father Sister Lover Friend” (Angelou, 1994: 86), Angelou presents the mother as a fundamental source of love and nurturing. She connects the figure of the mother to universal bonds of affection and care, equating maternal love with the love shared among family members, friends, and romantic partners. is passage sug- gests that a mother’s love is central to learning how to love others and oneself. It speaks to the idea that the mother is a primary, formative source of affection, teaching the child the very language of love and relationships. Mother as Confidante In the excerpt where the daughter confides in her mother—“Of all he said, I understood / he said he loved another” (Angelou, 1994: 132) —the mother is portrayed as a trusted confidante. e daugh- ter, feeling hurt by love, seeks her mother’s wisdom and comfort. is passage highlights the mother’s

628 Ibraimova, Kalieva, Alishova, Chymanova, Asylbekova Interacción y Perspectiva. Revista de Trabajo Social Vol. 15(2): 2025 role as a listener and emotional anchor, offering guidance and solace during moments of emotional vulnerability. e mother-daughter bond is deepened through this sharing of personal pain, demon- strating the trust and support that is intrinsic to their relationship. e mother’s dry-eyed demeanor suggests strength, patience, and an understanding of the complexities of life and love. Mother as Homeland (Africa) Angelou metaphorically links the mother to the African homeland in the vivid and richly symbolic imagery of her poem: “Taste me fruit / its juice free-falling from / a mother tree. / Know me / Africa.” (Angelou, 1994: 147). Here, the “mother tree” becomes a powerful metaphor for Af- rica, representing roots, sustenance, and cultural identity. e mother is depicted as the origin of life and the preserver of cultural heritage. Africa, as the mother, is a source of strength, history, and belonging for those of African descent. In this poem, the connection between mother and homeland symbolizes the nurturing and life-giving role of both, suggesting that just as the mother nourishes her child, Africa nourishes the spirit and cultural identity of its people. Mother as Heaven Angelou explores the spiritual dimension of motherhood in the lines, “You said that / You would take me to glory / To sit down at the welcome table.” (Angelou, 1994: 271). In this portrayal, the mother is associated with the promise of heaven, eternal life, and divine peace. She is not only a source of earthly comfort but also a guide who leads her child toward spiritual fulfillment and salvation. e mention of the “welcome table” evokes Christian imagery of paradise, where loved ones are reunited after death. is reinforces the idea that the mother transcends the physical world and becomes an eternal figure of love and protection. In the final lines—“Rejoice with my mother in heaven / And I’m stepping out on Your word” (Angellou, 1994: 292) —Angelou once again links the mother to the idea of heaven and salvation. e mother is portrayed as a figure who has passed on but continues to inspire strength and resilience in her child. e act of “stepping out on Your word” suggests that the speaker is continuing to live in faith, guided by the lessons and love of her mother, now in heaven. is imagery of the mother as a heavenly figure underscores her role as a constant source of strength, even in death. Mother as Cultural and Personal Pride In the passage “White folks used to stop / My mother / Just to look at me. / (All black babies / Are Cute.)” (Angelou, 1994: 293), Angelou touches upon the theme of cultural pride and identity through the mother’s eyes. e mother here is proud of her child, despite the racial dynamics at play, and this pride reflects a broader sense of resilience and self-worth in the face of societal preju- dice. e humor and subtle irony in the phrase “(All black babies / Are Cute)” points to Angelou’s critique of the fetishization of Black children by white people, but it also highlights a mother’s un- wavering admiration for her child. is moment reinforces the mother’s role as a source of cultural pride and personal identity. Mother as a Symbol of Strength and Resilience In addition to her role as a nurturer, the mother in Angelou’s poetry often symbolizes strength and emotional resilience. e poem Woman Work exemplifies this representation, where the speak- er lists her endless tasks and responsibilities:

La imagen de la maternidad como fenómeno sociocultural: estudio cualitativo-cuantitativo de la obra de Maya Angelou 629 Vol. 15(2) abril-junio 2025/ 622 - 631 “I’ve got the children to tend / e clothes to mend / e floor to mop / e food to shop / en the chicken to fry / e baby to dry...” (Angelou, 1994: 241). e repetitive structure and rhythm of these lines emphasize the relentless nature of a mother’s work. e speaker’s long list of tasks suggests a life of continuous labor, yet it also reveals the strength of the mother figure. Despite the overwhelming demands placed upon her, she endures. e poem highlights the unacknowledged toil of women, particularly mothers, in their daily lives. Angelou contrasts this depiction of physical labor with a moment of yearning for personal free- dom: “Fall gently, snowflakes / Cover me with white / Cold icy kisses and / Let me rest tonight...” (Angelou, 1994: 241). Here, the mother expresses a desire for rest, revealing her vulnerability amidst her strength. is juxtaposition of labor and longing encapsulates the emotional complexity of motherhood, where personal needs are often sacrificed for the well-being of others. e mother figure in Maya Angelou’s poetry, the maternal image broadens even further in these additional excerpts, particularly emphasizing themes of empowerment, cultural return, and the maternal strength that transcends individual experience. Here’s an analysis of the mother’s por- trayal in these new examples: Mother as Protector and Moral Guide In “I start no wars, raining poison / on cathedrals, melting Stars of David / into golden faucets” (Angelou, 1994: 37), the speaker reflects on the mother’s influence as a moral compass, one who has instilled values of peace and respect for life. is passage portrays the mother as a protective and guiding figure, someone who has shielded her child from moral corruption and violence. e imagery here contrasts acts of destruction—war, desecration of religious symbols, and inhumane cruelty—with the mother’s role in teaching restraint and ethical responsibility. e mother is shown to have endowed her son with the capacity for resistance against societal evils, positioning her as a force that counters destructive impulses with nurturing wisdom. e concluding lines, “ey say you took my manhood, Momma. / Come sit on my lap / and tell me, what do you want me to say / to them, just / before I annihilate / their ignorance?” (Angelou, 1994: 370), reveal the depth of the son’s bond with his mother. e assertion that society accuses the mother of “taking his manhood” speaks to the tension between traditional notions of masculinity and the softer, nurturing qualities associated with motherhood. However, instead of rejecting his mother’s influence, the son embraces it, seeking her counsel in moments of conflict. His desire to “annihilate their ignorance” implies that he has internalized his mother’s wisdom and strength, ready to challenge misconceptions imposed by a patriarchal society. Mother as Shelter, Identity, and Return to Origins In “e Mothering Blackness,” Angelou evokes powerful imagery of the mother as a place of return—a shelter, a sanctuary from the outside world. e repeated phrase, “She came home running,” (Angelou, 1994: 51) signifies the longing for the safety and comfort of the mother, par- ticularly in times of alienation or despair. e mother here represents protection and unconditional acceptance, welcoming the speaker back from experiences of hardship and alienation. e use of the term “mothering blackness” suggests both a physical and symbolic return to roots—an embrace of African identity and the shared experience of Blackness. e lines “She came home blameless / black yet as Hagar’s daughter / tall as was Sheba’s daughter” (Angelou, 1994: 51) invoke biblical

630 Ibraimova, Kalieva, Alishova, Chymanova, Asylbekova Interacción y Perspectiva. Revista de Trabajo Social Vol. 15(2): 2025 and royal imagery. Hagar, a figure from the Bible, is often associated with resilience, survival, and exile, while the reference to Sheba suggests nobility and strength. Angelou positions the mother as a towering figure of strength and dignity, connected to ancestral lineage. is not only emphasizes the mother’s protective qualities but also links her to a broader cultural and historical legacy. e mother’s blackness is not just a personal identity but also a collective, cultural one that serves as a point of pride and solidarity in the face of external threats. e imagery of the “black arms waiting” and the “warm heart waiting” reinforces the theme of the mother as a figure of emotional refuge. She provides a place where the speaker can find solace, healing, and strength. e phrase “threats of northern winds die on the desert’s face” (Angelou, 1994: 51) further highlights the mother’s role as a shield, standing firm against external challenges and providing a protective barrier against the cold, harsh forces of the world. Mother as Cultural and Emotional Anchor In these examples, Angelou continues to present the mother as a multi-dimensional figure, emphasizing not only her nurturing and protective qualities but also her role in shaping identity, re- silience, and moral integrity. e mother is depicted as a figure who provides emotional and cultural grounding, a source of both strength and refuge in times of internal or external conflict. In “Son to Mother,” the mother is the moral center who instills values that protect her child from the destructiveness of the world, while “e Mothering Blackness” portrays her as a place of return, of cultural pride, and of emotional healing. e mother’s blackness, symbolic of identity, history, and shared struggle, is celebrated as a source of dignity and empowerment. CONCLUSION Maya Angelou’s portrayal of motherhood is a profound and nuanced reflection of love, resil- ience, and cultural significance. rough her poetry, Angelou elevates the image of the mother from traditional notions of caregiving to a broader symbol of strength, moral guidance, and cultural pride. e mother is portrayed not only as a nurturer but also as a confidante, a guardian of identity, and a spiritual guide. Poems like “Mothering Blackness” and “Woman Work” encapsulate the complexities of motherhood, blending the personal experiences of African American women with broader his- torical and societal contexts. Angelou’s work highlights how mothers embody both individual and collective resilience, standing as pillars of emotional support while also representing the struggles and triumphs of their communities. Her exploration transcends the domestic sphere, showing the mother as a powerful figure who navigates multiple roles—protecting, loving, and guiding, all while confronting the harsh realities of racial and gender oppression. Angelou’s maternal figures are thus central to her depiction of womanhood, symbolizing the intersection of personal sacrifice and cul- tural endurance. By integrating both quantitative content analysis and deep qualitative insight, this paper has demonstrated the centrality of the maternal figure in Angelou’s work. Whether through expressions of unconditional love or as symbols of cultural and spiritual identity, Angelou’s mothers serve as enduring emblems of strength, continuity, and empowerment. e representation of moth- erhood in Angelou’s poetry is a testament to the lasting impact of mothers on both individual lives and the collective consciousness of society.

La imagen de la maternidad como fenómeno sociocultural: estudio cualitativo-cuantitativo de la obra de Maya Angelou 631 Vol. 15(2) abril-junio 2025/ 622 - 631 BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCES • Angellou, M. (1994). e complete collected poems of Maya Angelou. New York: Random House. • Beck, U., & Beck-Gernsheim, E. (2002). Individualization: Institutionalized individualism and its social and political consequences. London; ousand Oaks: Sage. • Bell, R. Q. (1979). Parent, child, and reciprocal influences. American Psychologist, 34 (10), 821-826. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.34.10.821 • Glenn, E. (1994). Social constructions of mothering: A thematic overview. In: Glenn, E. N., Chang, G., & Forcey, L. R. (Eds.) Mothering: Ideologies, experience, and agency (pp. 1-29). New York: Routledge. • Hays, S. (1996). e cultural contradictions of motherhood. New Haven; London: Yale Univer- sity Press. • Ruddick, S. (1983). Maternal thinking. In: Trebilcot, J. (Ed.) Mothering: Essays in feminist theory (pp. 213-230). Totowa: Rowman & Allanheld. • Woodward, K. (1997). Motherhood: Identities, meanings and myths. In: Woodward, K. (Ed.) Identity and difference (pp. 239-285). London; ousand Oaks: Sage.