20th Annual Student Research Conference
Language & Literature
How Enlightened is Society of Motherhood
Sara A. James
Dr. Andrew Klyukovski, Faculty Mentor
This paper provides discussion about motherhood in today’s society through Frances Harper’s powerful speech of the Enlightened Motherhood. A careful examination of select metaphors demonstrates how the 1892 society felt about motherhood and how that perception transformed over time. Nowadays, there is a distorted view of motherhood and the stay-at-home parent in America. Therefore, this paper illuminates how the United States has fallen behind in recognizing the roles of stay-at-home parents, while other countries’ governments strongly support those roles. Harper’s speech rang true to women in the United States one hundred and fifteen years ago and it is still applicable today.
Keywords: gender studies, feminist, Motherhood, Frances Harper, stay-at-home parent, Enlightened, mothers, parenting
Topic(s):Communication
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 56-1
Location: OP 2113
Time: 2:45 pm