A Woman’s Work
Reclaiming the Radical History of Mothering
Book •
In A Woman’s Work, Elinor Cleghorn traces the history of mothering from ancient times to the present, arguing that caregiving has been foundational to society and political life.
She examines how patriarchal systems have defined and constrained motherhood, while also highlighting mothers’ resistance, creativity, and influence across centuries.
Cleghorn blends cultural history, archival research, and feminist analysis to recover marginalized voices and everyday practices of care.
The book reframes mothering as both labor and a source of communal power, challenging myths that render it invisible and apolitical.
Ultimately, Cleghorn offers a vision for expanding and reclaiming mothering beyond narrow, prescriptive norms.
She examines how patriarchal systems have defined and constrained motherhood, while also highlighting mothers’ resistance, creativity, and influence across centuries.
Cleghorn blends cultural history, archival research, and feminist analysis to recover marginalized voices and everyday practices of care.
The book reframes mothering as both labor and a source of communal power, challenging myths that render it invisible and apolitical.
Ultimately, Cleghorn offers a vision for expanding and reclaiming mothering beyond narrow, prescriptive norms.
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Mentioned by the hosts when introducing the guest and her new book about the history and politics of mothering.
Episode 393: The Horrors Persist But I Have My Little Crafts with Elinor Cleghorn
