Common denominator Quote by Kim Brooks
“We're contemptuous of 'distracted' working mothers. We're contemptuous of 'selfish' rich mothers. We're contemptuous of mothers who have no choice but to work, but also of mothers who don't need to work and still fail to fulfill an impossible ideal of selfless motherhood. You don't have to look very hard to see the common denominator.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Motherhood Debate, 2022
Society judges mothers harshly regardless of their circumstances, imposing impossible standards of selflessness.
In simple terms: Mothers are judged no matter what they do.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and challenge unfair expectations of mothers.
Themes
gender
parenting
social expectations
judgment
double standards
Mood
frustrated
critical
empathetic
Type
social commentary
opinion piece
When to use this quote
- workplace policies
- family counseling
- public discourse
- media representation
- parental support groups
Key Concepts
feminist critique
social pressure
identity
norms
Questions to Reflect On
- How do societal expectations shape mothering roles?
- What can be done to support diverse mothering choices?
A Different Perspective
Not all criticism is constructive; cultural context varies.
![“I'm real ambivalent about [working mothers]. Those of use who have been in the women's movement for a long time know that we've talked a good game of "go out and fulfill your dreams" and "be everything you were meant to be." But by the same token, we want daughters-in-law who are going to stay…” quote by Erma Bombeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cff/erma-bombeck-780_ambivalent_i-m-real-ambivalent-about-working-mother_1082454.jpg)
