Maternalism Reconsidered: Motherhood, Welfare and Social Policy in the Twentieth Century

This collection of eleven essays explores how states around the world in the 20th century pursued social policies that promoted economic security for families and mothers in particular. "Maternalism" as referenced in these essays, is an analytic category more than a movement of self-identified mothers. Cases of maternalism are studied from an array of times and places, including neo-liberal Latin America, the USA in the period between the World Wars, Soviet Ukraine, and Fascist Italy. Specific essays focus on the relationship between civic culture and welfare policies, patriotism and mothers, social workers and classism, child welfare, and philanthropy. An introductory essay and conclusion on "maternalism today" is provided by the editors. The contributors are academics and scholars of history, sociology, and women's studies from North America, South America, and Europe. Annotation 穢2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)