Abstract In this article, the writer studies the book 'The Joys of Motherhood' by Buchi Emecheta and discusses the issues of sexual desire and gender. The writer explains that the book concerns Nigerian maternity and discusses issues relevant to the status and experience of African women.
From the Paper "Buchi Emecheta in her novel of Nigerian maternity titled "The Joys of Motherhood" addresses a number of issues relevant to the status and experience of African women living in traditional male-dominated and patriarchal societies. The central character of the novel is Nnu Ego a woman whose position as the daughter of a great Nigerian tribal chief does not prevent her from becoming the victim of physical abuse at the hands of her first husband and even of abandonment by the male ... "
Tags: Buchi Emecheta, The Joys of Motherhood, gender, sexual desire
Abstract This paper discusses the novel, "The Joys of Motherhood," written by Buchi Emecheta. The paper discusses the central development of the main character, Nnu Ego and how the books shows the role of women within African society, particularly from a perspective of that role being severely limited and oppressive. The paper suggests that Emecheta's novel is one of the most influential books on native African society and their way of life.
From the Paper "A further analysis of Emecheta's novel could be painted in the picture of modernity. Much like Kafka's Metamorphisis, Nnu's character can be seen as an abject symbol of modernity. Much like Gregor Samsa, who spent the majority of his life working like an insect rather than appreciating his family and his life, Nnu lived within the restrictions of her society without making the attempt to break free from her societal restrictions. As a result, both of these characters are symbols and warnings of the results of the modern world. They both were limited by the social constraints placed on them on a societal level and as a result they both became victims of society. Both of them suffered from a complex of modernity they attempted to solve their problems by attempting to work within a broken system, as a result they inevitably hit the walls of being socially and political restricted on many different levels."
Examines the theme of motherhood in three Canadian short stories - "Sophie", by Emily Carr, "The Gadabouts" by Gabrielle Roy and "The Summer My Grandmother Was Supposed to Die" by Mordecai Richler.
775 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 3 sources, 2002, $ 30.95
Abstract In the stories "Sophie", by Emily Carr, "The Gadabouts" by Gabrielle Roy and "The Summer My Grandmother Was Supposed to Die" by Mordecai Richler, the theme of motherhood predominates. However, as this paper will argue, it is a form of motherhood whereby the women's lives are radically restricted by the social definitions of motherhood in their respective social contexts. To different degrees, the women are all victims of social pressures and conventions, which force these women into lives of domestic suffering and overwork.
Abstract This paper mainly discusses in- vitro fertilization and surrogate pregnancies that are contracted, in which case the surrogate mother is usually a contracted person, with no link to the donors. In the case of contracted surrogate pregnancies, there is no way to judge the health of the surrogate mother and no regulation to see that the medical fraternity does not use the persons who are infected by diseases that could be passed to the infant. This paper affirms that laws must therefore be passed in such a manner that voluntary surrogate mothers are screened, identified and certified in such a manner that the resultant infant is not traumatized by diseases. The donors must be similarly screened. Furthermore, this paper looks at the idea of commercialization, within surrogate pregnancies. Namely it discusses the free market and the prostitution model. While some surrogate mothers do agree for altruistic reasons, where there is a demand, there will be a commercial supply. Since such children are at risk of being abandoned and neglected by the surrogate mother as well as by the donors, it is considered to be the duty of the state to enact laws to make sure that the donors, the surrogate mother and the genetic material are all fine to prevent deformities. In cases where such deformities do occur, the law must make the donor parents responsible for the child. Also, this paper asserts that there must also be a prohibition of payment for surrogate motherhood.
Outline:
Introduction
The Definition of Surrogate Motherhood Adoption, Surrogate Motherhood - The Contrasts and Commonalities
The Arguments Favoring Regulation and Ban
The Arguments Against the Ban
Legal Problems
The Legal Controls Ought to be Set
Current Global Situation
Conclusion
From the Paper "It is well if the resultant child is perfect what is the case if the child is born with deformities? What if it is liability? The management and care of such babies have legal moral and ethical implications. What is the relationship between the woman and the child in such cases at childbirth? For example the simple case of a low weight baby and in the case of mentally and physically challenged babies born to surrogate mothers, what will be the position and who shoulders the painful task? In the United States the Federal Government intervenes. In the UK the problem is ignored or the issue is glossed over. (Lee; Morgan, 1990) Judges have been sentencing mothers for not caring for the children in the womb. There have been cases of sentences handed down to mothers who consumed drugs and passed it on to the baby in the womb. Fetal neglect is now culpable. This shows that the state is concerned more and more with the unborn child and its welfare. The issue of in vitro fertilization and the knowledge of in genital illnesses are changing the perceptions of the society and the prevailing values are being modified. (Blank, 1992)
"The commoditization of sexuality has brought in the prospect of baby selling and prostitution. Poor women and even affluent ones are not above selling babies in the black market. The baby for sale has all its features added up to its price. The better suited ones getting the better price. The participants tend to market the baby in the fashion of a commodity and that is where the question of the babies with deformities and their fate steps in. There is likely to be more feticide and infanticide. The issue of 'Baby selling' drags down humanity considerations. (Warren, 1991) Originally surrogate mother hood was not a baby selling proposition. Yet today it has assumed the features of baby selling. Just as prohibition of payment exists for adoption, there must also be a prohibition of payment for surrogate motherhood. The courts sometimes have applied the baby sale acts to bar surrogate motherhood."
A look at "So Long a Letter" and "Scarlet Song" by Mariama Ba and "The Joys of Motherhood," by Buchi Emecheta to explore the victimization relating to African women's struggle for the identities of mother and woman in society.
Abstract This persuasive paper presents a clear examination of womanhood and motherhood in terms of African women's struggle and a detailed observation, analysis, and definition of victimology as a basis for these struggles. The paper covers detailed comparisons of the main characters in three novels, "So Long a Letter" and "Scarlet Song" by Mariama Ba and "The Joys of Motherhood" by Buchi Emecheta. The paper explores the victimization of these characters by way of societal, traditional, patriarchal, and cultural means. Also, deeply rooted problems with colonization and polygamy are discussed as stepping-stones towards these characters' victimization.
From the Paper "Tradition acts as victimizer to Nnu Ego, in her childlessness. After her first child's death, she is considered a failed woman and failed mother. She cannot escape tradition, nor can she escape her expectations. These two things bind her in such a way that she will never be a complete woman, nor have a joyous motherhood, because her constant failure to gain expectations that are presented by the tradition she imbibes. She only questions her tradition once in the novel, on page 187, where she asks, "Who made the law that we should not hope in our daughters" Until we change all this, it is still a man's world, which women will always help to build.? This statement encompasses Emecheta's belief in the problems with womanhood and motherhood, and establishes a clear hope for change."
Abstract This paper examines all of the moral and emotional issues surrounding surrogate motherhood. The author explains the different definitions of surrogacy from donation of sperm to egg donation to traditional surrogacy. He examines the ethical issues involved in surrogacy and if it can be considered as a moral or an immoral act from the perspective of the surrogate. The author cites examples of court cases that support surrogacy. He also examines how surrogacy has become a legal practice in many Western countries. In conclusion the author states his opinion that the existing laws and public policies regarding surrogacy and surrogate arrangements were created and established primarily for the purpose of justifying the end and existence of surrogate motherhood.
From the Paper "Those who advocates the practice of surrogacy claims that it is a moral and just act since people who are burdened by the frustration of not being able to procreate are actually being addressed. With surrogacy, infertile couples are actually provided the joys of parenthood. Likewise, it is also said that surrogacy does not necessarily have to be equated with money. With the aid of laws and existing public policies regarding it, it is also claimed that the possibility of commercialization and the development of a market for it can be controlled and at the same time
access to the said reproductive technology is made possible for anyone who would like to avail it (http://www.debatabase.org)."
Abstract The purpose of this paper is to introduce, discuss, and analyze the topic of surrogate motherhood. Specifically the author discusses the reasons why women choose to become surrogate mothers. The paper touches on the conflicting viewpoints on this issue including why some women choose to become surrogate mothers simply for the fees involved. However, the author also argues that there are other surrogates who do it because they truly care about childless couples. The paper stresses that surrogacy may not be for every woman, but there are very valid reasons to support surrogate motherhood, including giving childless couples a chance at parenthood.
From the Paper "Surrogate mothers serve as artificial mothers for parents who cannot conceive and/or carry children on their own. Sometimes, the parents have healthy sperm and egg cells, but for some reason the mother cannot carry a baby to term. In this case, the eggs and sperm are harvested and they are implanted into the surrogate. In other cases, the woman's eggs are not healthy, and the male's sperm is used to fertilize the surrogate's egg, which the surrogate then carries to full term and delivers a baby. Either way, the surrogate carries the child for nine months, and then relinquishes the baby to the natural parents. In the United States and much of Europe, this is a legal procedure, and the surrogate receives a fee for carrying the baby. This is wrong. A woman should not carry a baby for money, no matter what the reason, and many experts agree."
Abstract This paper explores the importance and influence of Republican motherhood on early American education. The author includes a mother's responsibilities to indoctrinate her children into developing American ideologies. Includes writings by Mary Wollstonecraft and Abigail Adams.
From the Paper "The Republican Party is one of the two major political parties of USA. Jefferson's Republican Democrats used the name but the modern Republican Party originated in 1854 as an alliance of those who were opposed to the extension of slavery in the new territories in Western USA. After the election of the first Republican President, Lincoln in 1860, the Republicans were usually the ascendant party until the 1930s becoming identified with conservative business interests. During the time when the Republican Party was formed, a number of significant issues were being raised at a national level to arouse interest and create awareness within the masses. These issues pertained to slavery, sectionalism, temperance, immigration, anti-Catholicism, a decline of moral character and an uncertain and changing economic structure. However what most historians and scholars tend to overlook is the fact that a number of women were coming forth and quite blatantly standing up for the rights of women."
Abstract The process of surrogate motherhood involves a third party carrying a child for a couple, a single women, or persons involved in same sex relationships. This paper gives a personal opinion of why it is ethically wrong by examining literature both for and against surrogacy. It discusses such issues as bonding and separation and the key issue of breastfeeding, why surrogate mothers are not allowed to breastfeed.
From the Paper "Opponents of surrogacy argue that the surrogacy process creates a separation in the mind of the surrogate mother that she must have the child but not raise the child. Thus surrogacy creates a situation in which a child is created for the purpose of fulfilling the desires of the adoptive parents. The Humanist writes: "To sanction the use and treatment of human beings to the achievement of other goals instead of as ends in themselves is to accept an ethic with a tragic past and to establish a precedent with a dangerous future." (Pyton 2001)"
Abstract Julian of Norwich and Margery Kempe were both medieval mystics who had a profound impact on the image of Christian feminine divinity. One of the most interesting aspects of their religious philosophies and of their private communications with God, was the way in which both women portrayed and used motherhood in their perceptions and understandings of the divine.
Abstract This paper discusses the elements of motherhood and family do not "appear" and "reappear" in Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin: They are literally the crux of the novel, the reason for its existence.
Abstract This paper examines the various concepts of motherhood as portrayed in Antigua-born US resident Jamaica Kincaid's novel "The Autobiography of My Mother" and short story "Girl"; Nigeria-born British resident Buchi Emecheta's novel "The Bride Price" and Guadeloupe-born Maryse Conde's novel "I, Tituba, Black Witch of Salem".
Abstract This paper is a response to the book by Ann Crittenden titled "The Price of Motherhood: Why the Most Important Job in the World Is Still the Least Valued."
Abstract The paper offers a discussion of the aspects of motherhood that inhibit artistry, as exemplified in the Nella Larsen novel "Quicksand," particularly in the conclusion. The paper notes the prevalence of the theme throughout literature.
From the Paper "The struggle between motherhood and artistry can be traced throughout much of literature. The image of motherhood as a smothering and suffocating force can be seen in Chopin's "Awakening," in Ibsen's" A Doll's House," in Edith Summers "Kelley's Weeds" and in most of the poetry of both Sylvia Plath and Anne Sexton. This is of course only a small sampling of evidence of the prevalence of this theme."
Tags: Nella Larsen, Quicksand, artist, procreation, motherhood
Abstract The paper discusses the extraordinary women who helped change the world in the 19th Century and were under-appreciated by the history of the United States. The paper posits that 19th Century women ably and adroitly used their skills and experiences to form a more moral union. The paper highlights the women who struggled and were stifled, but learned how to launch reform movements. The paper stresses that this was done not through formal training, but through the manifold processes of their maturation as daughters, sisters, wives - and most of all, as mothers.
From the Paper "Paulina, in 1836, put her network of female activists to work - circulating petitions - in behalf of "...one of the very first women's rights causes in American history" (Ryan, 227), the New York State married women's property act. That cause was to end up a fortitudinous one for Paulina when her husband died in 1840; following that time, she "outgrew" her early religious faith and "felt free to think and act on my own convictions," Ryan chronicles on page 227. Paulina set out to travel and study in Europe, and returned to Oneida County where she delivered lectures on "female physiology, equipped with a femme modele," which she obtained in France."
