Revisiting the Politics of Motherhood in Modern British History

This article argues for the importance of motherhood as a category of historical analysis. This review will explore trends in the historiography of motherhood in modern Britain, first examining maternalist literature, then the turn towards maternity policy, examinations of motherhood and activism, and finally the recent turn towards experiential histories of motherhood. It suggests that these approaches have grown more expansive, but often remain disconnected. The article argues that motherhood is not a fixed identity; it has been defined, challenged, and performed in response to specific historical moments. In drawing these together, the article offers new ways to understand the histories of motherhood and mothering, and opens up potential avenues for future exploration.