Intensive Mothering: The Cultural Contradictions of Modern Motherhood

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The collection revisits Sharon Hays' concept of "intensive mothering," exploring its relevance two decades after her original work. It critiques the notion that mothers should prioritize children's needs through expert-driven, labor-intensive practices, questioning the effectiveness of such over-investment in parenting. While acknowledging the importance of maternal connection highlighted by Attachment Theory, it challenges the cultural expectation of intensive involvement in children's lives, especially in a society that values independence.