The experience of becoming a mother in Australia since 1945.

Grant number: DE160100817 | Funding period: 2016 - 2021

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Abstract

By investigating experiences of becoming a mother in Australia since 1945, this project intends to provide an historical perspective on mothering in the present. Over the past 70 years, Australian motherhood has undergone vast changes: the average age of becoming a mother has increased, sources of maternal advice have proliferated and maternity has become seen as optional rather than compulsory. The project aims to analyse how these shifts have affected the experience of adopting a maternal identity for several generations of Australian women. This project aims to illuminate the historical development of current debates, contextualising topical social issues such as optimising pre and post-n..

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