Maternalism

Maternalism is the public expression of domestic values associated with motherhood.^[1] It centers on the language of motherhood to justify women's political activities, actions and validate state or public policies.^[2] Maternalism is an extension of "empowered motherhood."^[3] It defines itself as the extension of feminine moral values of nurturance and care and the home's social caring into a larger community.^[3] Under maternalism, the mother-child relationship is essential for maintaining a healthy society.^[4] All women are seen united and defined by their ability and shared responsibility to mother to all children. Using the foundations of motherhood, mothers within maternalism provide a service to the state or nation by raising "citizen-workers."^[3] 20th and 21st-century scholars have shed light on women activists in the context of maternalist politics focused on policies designed to benefit women and children, such as maternal and child health care programs, mother pensions like the ADC program and other various welfare programs.^[5][6][7][8] Some scholars consider maternalism to be part of feminist movements and ideologies. On the other hand, others consider it to be different from feminism due to some maternalists incorporating a shared characteristic that the male figure in the household should be the economic provider and that a woman's central role is as a mother.^[3]