Children Quote by Nawal El Saadawi
“Motherhood goes back in history to a time when a father had no way of knowing his children. Fatherhood only became known when class patriarchal society had established itself and imposed monogamous marriage on women. Motherhood is like sun and rain and plants, a quality and product of nature which does not require laws or systems in order to exist.”
About This Quote
Source Book: “Women at Point Zero,” 1975
Motherhood predates patriarchal structures, existing naturally without legal or societal constructs, unlike fatherhood which emerged later.
In simple terms: Motherhood is natural, fatherhood is social.
Recognize innate value of motherhood.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- parenting education
- gender studies
- policy advocacy
- cultural analysis
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do societies shape parental identities?
- What supports both parents equally?
May overlook modern paternal roles.