Revealing parenthoods: Some observations on theoretical, lay and professional experiences of parenting in contemporary society

Abstract

This paper explores literature on parenting and parenthood to reveal emerging patterns of parenthoods that contest the notion of a single, universal, unchanging archetype. An extensive literature review confirms that in contemporary society diverse understandings, meanings and experiences of parenthood abound, dependent on perspective, be it professional, theoretical, cultural or personal. Academic, theoretical and professional understandings of parenthood are shown to be challenged by personal, community and cultural meanings which are being given voice because of the recognition of different knowledges and knowledge production in a postmodern society. On the other hand, it is also argued that although certain faces of parenthood are presented in public to comply with social scripts, these can mask authentic meanings and experiences which remain overshadowed or rendered invisible or silent by the persistence of structural expectations of parenting and parenthood. The paper identifies that parents negotiate complex parenting trajectories, which can change and develop, yet these can also be marginalized by structures such as health services. In highlighting the paradoxes and conflicts which inscribe parenting, the paper draws attention to the ways that health care professionals manage parenting initiatives, and suggests how these tensions and contradictions can be addressed by conscious awareness of issues of power and the facilitation of empowerment through reflective practice.