Mothering Babies: Issues and Experiences of Women From a Traditional, Collectivist Society in a Modern, Individualistic One

Abstract

This study examines the feelings, thoughts, and experiences of first- and second-generation Ethiopian immigrant mothers in Israel. This subject is important in and of itself and also because it serves as an example of what happens to immigrant mothers from traditional, collectivist societies in modern, individualistic ones. Face-to-face interviews with 30 mothers of babies reveal generational similarities and differences. Both first- and second-generation immigrants identified motherhood as the “essence” of life for women, defined a “good mother” as one who was there to meet all of her children’s needs at all times, and expressed a strong desire to combine the ways of Ethiopia and Israel. With this, the first generation emphasized the need to give the baby space to grow, whereas the second generation regarded the baby as a being to be molded. In addition, the second generation considered it important to play with their babies and express their love for them explicitly, which the first generation did not.