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Document Type

Article in Response to Controversy

Abstract

Because it does not conform to the standard conception of a profession, motherhood might seem to have no place in this issue. A woman requires no special expertise, no knowledge, skill or educational degree to become a mother. Furthermore, the work she does as a mother is unpaid, sometimes even unrecognized as work. These two features of motherhood – its accessibility to any fertile girl or woman, and the fact that society provides no financial compensation to mothers for their hard work--are often lamented, though towards very different political ends. In fact, motherhood might be considered the very opposite of a profession: a status dependent upon biological, cultural and social factors, not educational ones, and involving labor done without pay or recognized steps to advancement.

Genre/Form

articles

Subjects - Topical (LCSH)

Motherhood--United States; Stay-at-home mothers--United States; Women in the professions; Mothers--United States; School choice--United States

Geographic Coverage

United States

Language

English

Format

application/pdf

Type

Text

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Included in

Education Commons

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