Mothers are an
integral part of raising children. In
spite of this, their role as nurturers is being continually questioned and devalued
by many in society. Without society emphasizing
the traditional role of mothers, mothers are often led to question their roles
as nurturers.
With society is
stressing the importance of career over family, many stay-at-home mothers feel
devalued. Many feel they are left at
home to care for their children doing mundane tasks such as changing diapers, cleaning
the house, getting children ready for school, etc. while their counterparts are
building successful careers outside of the home.
The problem of
undervalued mothers has become so apparent that in 2005 a national survey on
mothers was conducted. This survey it
showed that 48% of mothers felt appreciated most of the time while 20% said
they felt that upon becoming mothers society valued them less (M.F. Erickson
& Aird, 2005).
Elder Bruce C.
Hafen defended the role of mothers saying, “For most of our history, the word
motherhood meant honor, endearment, and sacrifice… Yet this spirit of self-sacrifice has become
a contentious issue in recent years, making contentious the very idea of
motherhood (2005, p.181).”
To further support
the role of mothers The First Presidency issued a statement in 1942 saying,
“Motherhood is near to divinity. It is
the highest, holiest service to be assumed by mankind. It places her who honors its holy calling and
service next to the angels (James R. Clark, 1935-1951, p. 178).” In accordance to what these leaders have
shared, it is apparent that the role of nurturing mothers is of great worth and
is in no way to be diminished.
I asked others how
they felt about the value of the traditional role of mothers. The first person I spoke to was a young woman
named Stephanie, a member of the LDS Church.
I asked, “What does it mean to be a mother?” Stephanie described the role of mothers
saying, “A mother is to be patient, loving, and someone who instills good
values in future generations among other things.” Stephanie continued her thoughts on mothers, “The
success of future generations are dependent on mothers.”
David O. McKay
said, “Motherhood
is the greatest potential influence either for good or ill in human life. The mother's
image is the first that stamps itself on the unwritten page of the young
child's mind. It is her caress that first awakens a sense of security; her
kiss, the first realization of affection; her sympathy and tenderness, the
first assurance that there is love in the world (Gospel Ideals, [1953], 452).”
Being a
mother is one of the most important jobs in life and when choosing to have
children you are choosing to take on that sacred role of mother.”
Following
Stephanie’s comments I spoke with Olivia who is a non-member. She said, “Being
a mother is really hard work and sometimes stay-at-home moms are looked down
upon because they don’t have a paying job.”
In
talking with these women from different cultural and religious background, it
is clear that many still believe that the role of mothers is vital in raising
and nurturing children. In spite of a
society in which the role of mothers is devalued, many still recognize how
important it is.
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