Motherhood trouble: feminsim and the overcoming of women’s nature

Abstract:

Feminist theory is based on the premise that there is no natural calling to motherhood inscribed in women’s bodies, nor is there a natural instinct that drives them to care for their children. On the contrary, it understands that motherhood and child-rearing are ideological constructs that patriarchy imposes on women’s bodies in order to oppress them. It is crucial to understand how feminism has argued both positions, as they are key to many of its demands, especially the right to contraception and abortion. This article explores how this view contrasts with the natural law tradition and Thomist thought, which see motherhood as an essential expression of womanhood.

Keywords:

feminism, nature, motherhood, modernity