Why Is There Actually So Much Societal Pressure On Mothers?

There are a few explanations for the societal pressure on mothers, including historical, cultural and social reasons. Because of this complex and often subconscious societal expectation, moms often feel a ton of pressure. Sometimes they don’t even know why they feel that pressure. So let’s investigate and dig a little deeper to explore why.

This article will explore why there is so much societal pressure on mothers:

Historical context may explain why there is so much societal pressure on mothers

One reason is that, historically, motherhood has been seen as a woman’s primary role and responsibility. As a result, women who are mothers may be expected to prioritize their children’s needs and wellbeing above their own—to sacrifice their own interests and goals for the sake of their children.

Cultural norms play a role in the societal pressure on mothers

Another reason is that, in many societies, there are cultural norms and expectations around what it means to be a “good” mom. These norms and expectations can vary depending on the culture and the specific context, but they may include expectations around how mothers should look, how they should behave and how they should raise their children. These norms and expectations can create a lot of pressure on mothers to conform to a certain ideal of motherhood, and can make it difficult for mothers to feel that they are doing a good job.

Societal pressure on mothers may be invisible, but we feel it

Additionally, there may be a lot of societal pressure on mothers because of the high value placed on motherhood and the caregiving role. In many societies, motherhood is seen as a selfless and noble pursuit, and mothers who are seen as doing a good job may be praised and admired. At the same time, mothers who are seen as not living up to these expectations may be criticized or judged. This can create a lot of pressure on mothers to be perfect and to always put their children’s needs first.

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Overall, there are many factors that can contribute to the societal pressure on mothers, including historical, cultural, and societal norms and expectations. This pressure can make it difficult for mothers to feel confident and satisfied in their role, and can make parenting a challenging and stressful experience.

Moms: Here are solutions for you to release these pressures and empower yourself

Here are a few ways that moms can release themselves from the societal pressure they may be feeling and protect their mental health:

Set boundaries and prioritize self-care.

Moms often have a lot of demands on their time and energy, and it can be easy to get overwhelmed and burnt out. It’s important for moms to set boundaries for themselves, and to prioritize taking care of their own needs and well-being. This can involve setting aside time for self-care activities, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies, and saying no to activities or responsibilities that are not essential.

Seek support and connection.

Moms may feel isolated and alone in their parenting journey, but it’s important to remember that they are not alone. Moms can seek out support and connection with other moms, either through in-person support groups or online communities. This can provide a safe and supportive space for moms to share their experiences and challenges, and to receive encouragement and support from others who understand what they are going through.

Talk to a therapist or counselor.

Moms who are struggling with the societal pressure they may be feeling can benefit from talking to a therapist or counselor. A mental health professional can provide a non-judgmental space for moms to express their feelings and concerns, and can offer guidance and support for managing stress and anxiety.

Partners can have a huge impact in alleviating the pressure that moms feel

Here are a few ways that partners can help moms release themselves from societal pressure and protect their mental health:

Be supportive and understanding.

Partners can provide emotional support and understanding for moms who are feeling overwhelmed or stressed by societal pressure. This can involve listening to moms without judging or criticizing them, and offering words of encouragement and support. Partners can also help moms to set boundaries and prioritize self-care, and can provide practical support, such as taking on household chores or childcare responsibilities, to help moms find time and energy for self-care.

Be a sounding board.

Partners can be a sounding board for moms who are feeling overwhelmed or stressed by societal pressure. This can involve listening to moms without offering advice or solutions, and simply allowing them to express their feelings and concerns. Partners can also help moms to reframe their thoughts and perspective, and to see the situation from a different angle.

Encourage moms to seek help.

Partners can encourage moms to seek help if they are struggling with the societal pressure they may be feeling. This can involve encouraging moms to talk to a therapist or counselor, or to join a support group or online community. Partners can also offer to attend therapy sessions or support group meetings with moms, to provide additional support and encouragement.

Partners can play an important role in helping moms release themselves from societal pressure and protect their mental health. By providing emotional support, practical assistance, and encouragement, partners can help moms to feel more confident and satisfied in their role as mothers.

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Conclusion:

In summation, there are many invisible external forces that put societal pressure on mothers, which can lead to guilt and shame and a feeling of not being good enough. Recognizing the root cause of this pressure, and dismantling its validity is the first step to shoving that external pressure to the side. Set your own standards and goals as a mother, don’t compare yourself to anyone else, or to any invisible made up universal standard that norms have fooled us into believing. You are powerful! You are awesome! Try your best and love your kids. The rest is just noise.