Relatos da maternidade: expectativas e escolhas a partir da narrativa de mulheres

Abstract

This research aimed to understand the perceptions of women, both mothers and non-mothers, highlighting how motherhood remains central in the lives of contemporary women, despite changes in gender roles over the centuries. The study briefly reviewed the historical evolution of motherhood as a social construct. The thematic analysis of participants' narratives revealed current shifts in perceptions, emphasizing the persistence of social expectations and the complexity of the maternal role. The findings suggest the need to broaden discussions on motherhood, viewing it as a subjective and multifaceted experience rather than an intuitive and universal function. The study underscores the importance of understanding motherhood as a social construct shaped by various individual and cultural contexts.