Skip to content

Adult life Quote by Sylvia Ann Hewlett

“Fashions change, and with the new psychoanalytical perspective of the postwar period [WWII], child rearing became enshrined as thespecial responsibility of mothersany shortcoming in adult life was now seen as rooted in the failure of mothering during childhood.” quote by Sylvia Ann Hewlett
Download Open image
“Fashions change, and with the new psychoanalytical perspective of the postwar period [WWII], child rearing became enshrined as thespecial responsibility of mothersany shortcoming in adult life was now seen as rooted in the failure of mothering during childhood.”

Sylvia Ann Hewlett

About This Quote

Source Book: The Myth of the Perfect Mother, 1995

Post‑war psychoanalysis shifted blame for adult issues onto mothers, creating a cultural pressure that mothers bear primary responsibility for child development.

In simple terms: Mothers blamed for adult problems.

Key Takeaway

Recognize shared responsibility.

Themes

family gender roles psychology

Mood

critical analytical

Type

sociological critical

When to use this quote

  • counseling
  • policy making
  • education reform

Key Concepts

sociology parenting theory

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does this view affect mothers today?
  • What balanced approaches exist?
A Different Perspective

Oversimplifies complex developmental factors.

2.6 out of 5 (4 ratings)

More by Sylvia Ann Hewlett

Explore all 21 Sylvia Ann Hewlett quotes

More Adult life quotes

Browse all 431 Adult life quotes