Mothering in the Context of Child Welfare

Abstract

The predominant definition of motherhood in Canada, and Western society, reflects the notion of intensive mothering, whereby mothers are expected to manage their responsibilities as the primary caregiver of their children and household while maintaining employment outside of the home. This notion, which is based on a middle-class and Eurocentric construct, leaves little consideration for the experiences of mothers from diverse socioeconomic and ethno-racial backgrounds. Mothers involved in child welfare for allegations of abuse are challenged with identifying with this definition of motherhood, as they face stigmatization by their  communities and shame for how they care of their children. Research affirms that mothers in child welfare are disproportionately younger and have a lower-economic status compared to the general population, in addition to having higher rates of homelessness, unemployment, and mental health concerns. Our research sought to answer the following question: How do the narratives of mothers with child welfare involvement challenge good mothering ideology? Our qualitative, exploratory study collaborates with three mothers in Calgary, Alberta, who over the course of a series on in-depth interviews shared stories of the mothering they experienced in  childhood, the challenges in their own mothering, which resulted in having their children apprehended by the state, and finally their journey to regaining custody of their children. These women’s narratives highlighted their resiliency in reclaiming their identities as good mothers while challenging socially constructed beliefs about women and mothering. Our intention is that the women’s stories  can inform child welfare policies and procedures to best support diverse families involved in the child welfare system.