Mother Studies is a field of interdisciplinary study devoted to the issues, experiences, topics, history, and culture of mothers, mothering, and motherhood.
Classes in Mother Studies explore interpretations and experiences of motherhood navigated within personal, social and cultural constructions. Academic courses in sociology, history, literature, popular culture, anthropology and psychology focus on procreation, birth, caregiving, mothering, fathering, maternal health, grief and loss, as well as women in society. LGBT perspectives, issues of adult children, surrogacy, adoption, other mothers, and non-parents are also explored, as are social and political policies, ensuring a diverse and comprehensive curriculum.
“After taking this class I felt more connected to my mother because I had the opportunity to ask my mom questions I may not have otherwise asked.” a graduate level college student 2013
As a new area of academic study Mother Studies pays specific attention to issues as they pertain to gender, race, class, ethnicity, sexuality, nationality, and ability, as well as examining the history of euthenics, home economics, and feminism in America. Mother Studies encourages critical thinking and facilitates an analysis of the problematic inequalities women and mothers have historically faced. Mother Studies offers a powerful way to revise how see ourselves in the world and offers a dynamic vehicle for intellectual transformation within the parent/partner/citizen/child paradigm.
“This class has actually inspired me to really become really involved in maternal psychology research.” a graduate-level college student 2013
We will launch Introduction To Motherhood Studies online beginning June of 2015. Registration will open April 30 and close June 10 for the 7 week summer intensive: (Summer schedule is June 15 – July 27)
The School of M.O.M. & The Educated Mother classes have been taught since 2011 at the Museum of Motherhood. Content has been developed by Martha Joy Rose.
“Nonmothers are stigmatized, but mothers are also limited by maternalist ideology.” – exit survey response by class participant
School Of MOM 
Leave a Reply