Psychology for Women and Gender

Discuss how any two of the myths of motherhood in the textbook research support or
refute what Mayim asserts in this video?
The myths of motherhood are depicted in the text. There is a negative stereotype that
women who choose to remain childless fail to fulfill the motherhood mandate and therefore are
perceived as selfish individuals who do not care about anyone. The belief is that women should
get children who will care for them in their old age. The other myth is that unless a woman gets a
child, they will not leave any legacy (Liss & Erchull, 2018). Such myths are refuted in the video,
especially when Mayim states that society has failed in preparing women for motherhood. Many
women are worried about how they will bring up their children and whether they will offer the
best to the kids (Bialik, 2018). Therefore, they should be allowed to take their time, and the
decision to remain childless should be respected.
How are issues related to reproductive justice addressed in the textbook research
supported or refuted by the content in this video?
The text addresses the issues related to reproductive health justice. A reproductive health
movement justice was organized to support the health of indigenous women and seek to
acknowledge that women undergo different forms of oppression that make their choices limited.
The movement advocates for equality and that all women are allowed to make choices regarding
motherhood, including where and how to bring up their children (Liss & Erchull, 2018). The
concept is supported by the content in the video, where Mayim makes a personal choice to stay
at home and raise her children. She chooses to be part of her children’s lives, knowing when they
hit their next milestone and monitoring their growth. According to the movement, every woman

3

should be given a chance regardless of their ethical, social, and cultural background (Bialik,
2018).
How is the textbook research examining the concept of the motherhood mandate applicable
or not applicable to this video?
The text examines the concept of motherhood mandate. The author explains the
motherhood mandate as an intense pressure to have children. Becoming a mother should be a
personal choice. However, society portrays women who choose not to have children as bitter
career women or selfish individuals. The prevalence of negative perceptions toward women who
choose to remain childless has been on the rise (Liss & Erchull, 2018). The concept applies in
this video, especially when Mayim disclaimers before releasing the video. There is evident fear
of societal views toward the contents of her video (Bialik, 2018).
What identity are changes associated with becoming a mother raised in the textbook
research applicable to this video? Be sure to discuss this in detail.
Becoming a mother comes with various changes. A woman must be psychologically and
financially prepared to become a mother. Motherhood comes with a bunch of responsibilities that
can be overwhelming (Liss & Erchull, 2018). The concept was applied in the video where
Mayim had to stay home and care for her dependent children. She admits that motherhood has no
perfection, but society should prepare women for the changes associated with motherhood and
how they should handle the same (Bialik, 2018).
Read the public comments section posted below this video (open on video on YouTube if
you are having difficulty seeing comments)- how would the textbook research respond to
two statements/ assertions being made (click on the YouTube icon in the lower right corner
to access these comments)?

4

The public comment section provides feedback from the viewers. Most are optimistic
about staying at home despite being career women (Bialik, 2018). TrueGamerVed states,
“Psychologist here, after having my son, I decided to stay at home eight years ago. Best decision
ever. I still don’t have much time for myself, but I don’t mind. Life is not short, and I will do
something for myself in a few years. Having a healthy child and watching him growing up is the
best life reward.” The textbook research would commend her decision to give her child the best,
a crucial definition of motherhood (Liss & Erchull, 2018). The other comment by M F, “In
Czech, we can stay at home until the kid is three years old with a little financial support from the
government. It’s great; I am so grateful to be a stay-at-home mom,” shows that people support
the idea of staying home and taking care of children. The text would respond to this by
encouraging those choosing to remain childless due to financial situations so that they can still
raise their children without necessarily leaving their jobs permanently.

5

References

Bialik, M. (2018, Oct. 18). Choosing to be a stay-at-home mom [Video]. YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjAu-SqeEno&ab_channel=MayimBialik
Liss, M., Richmood, K., & Erchull, M. J. (2018). Psychology of women and gender. W. W.
Norton & Company.