Music for mothers and babies: A view from alternative theoretical perspectives

Abstract

This article is based on a recently completed review of mother and baby music programmes that draws mainly on the various written sources associated with those programmes. The review looked primarily at programmes in the United Kingdom with some examples from other English-speaking countries. The review process revealed that the rationales and theories that underpin these programmes are highly psychologized, drawing on a reinvigoration of attachment theory that has become interwoven with recent ideas from neuroscience. It also revealed that the written sources do not acknowledge or reflect upon the wider social, cultural and political context which drives and shapes this rapidly expanding area. Drawing on alternative theoretical perspectives from parenting culture studies, post-feminist theory, sociology, biological anthropology and feminist musicology, I develop a discussion that explores how mother and baby music resides on a powerful blend of mothering ideology and psychological theory. This blend and the practices it has given rise to, reinforce intensive mothering practices that do not ameliorate but rather perpetuate and reinforce gendered, racialized and classed inequalities. Intensive mothering in a neo-liberal society supposedly offers choice, autonomy and fulfilment as a mother, but in reality requires unrealistic levels of investment and self-regulation by the mother that can result in conflicted feelings of guilt and anxiety.