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Mothers in Urban India: Exploring Identity

Author

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  • Renuka Bhandarkar
  • Mrinmoyi Kulkarni

Abstract

Motherhood is a life-changing event. The experience of motherhood among middle-class married Indian women is explored in this qualitative study. The aim of this study was to understand ‘how’ motherhood is incorporated into identity within the context of competing discourses of patriarchy vis-à -vis modernism and feminism. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 urban women, and the data were analysed using thematic analysis. The following themes were identified: roles as contributing to identity, role conflict, social support and growth. From the Eriksonian perspective, motherhood is viewed as a period of psycho-social crises in which the original identity goes through a process of transformation to emerge anew. Implications of an integrated identity for the well-being of mothers are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Renuka Bhandarkar & Mrinmoyi Kulkarni, 2025. "Mothers in Urban India: Exploring Identity," Indian Journal of Gender Studies, Centre for Women's Development Studies, vol. 32(1), pages 71-93, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:indgen:v:32:y:2025:i:1:p:71-93
    DOI: 10.1177/09715215241301481
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lucia Ciciolla & Alexandra S. Curlee & Suniya S. Luthar, 2017. "What Women Want: Employment Preference and Adjustment Among Mothers," Journal of Family and Economic Issues, Springer, vol. 38(4), pages 494-513, December.
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