Surveillance of Modern Motherhood Experiences of Universal Parenting Courses

This book explores the reflections and experiences of mothers of children aged 0-3 years that have attended universal parenting courses. 

Simmons considers the factors that motivated mothers to attend a universal parenting course and explore the wider experiences of early modern motherhood in the UK. She investigates participants' perceptions of benefits of attending a parenting course, different forms of parenting advice accessed by mothers, and how this provides an insight into the wider constructs and experiences of modern motherhood. 

Ultimately, the book considers, through a feminist post-structuralist lens, the social and cultural pressures within modern motherhood in relation to different levels of surveillance, and produces new knowledge for practice within the early years and health sectors in relation to the support currently offered to new mothers. It will be of interest to students and scholars across the sociology of education, gender studies, and childhood studies. 

1. Introduction. - 2. Feminist Post-Structuralism as a Worldview. - 3. Emotions, ‘Expert’ Advice and Support in the Early Days of Motherhood. - 4. Surveillance or Support? Political Intervention and the Universal Parenting Course. - 5. Feeling Judged: Parenting Culture and Interpersonal Surveillance. - 6. The Internalisation of ‘Normalizing Judgement’: The ‘Good Enough’ Mother and Silences Within Modern Motherhood. - 7. Listening to Mothers: Reflections on Motherhood and Support for New Mothers. - 8. Conclusions and Implications for Policy, Research and Practice.

Helen Simmons is Senior Lecturer, Programme Leader of the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies, and Pathway Leader of the MA Education (Early Years Pathway) at the University of Derby, UK.