The ‘Fish Tank’ of Motherhood Model™
A model offering a one-of-a-kind sociological approach for understanding Motherhood
want to learn how to integrate this model into your work with mothers?
join the motherhood studies practitioner certification online training course
Expanding our focus beyond the individual Mother to connect her experiences with broader social structures, opens possibility for revolutionary change - both personally and culturally.
Why do we need to integrate a sociological of understanding of motherhood into our work with mothers?
because Motherhood is different to mothering.
Mothers do their mothering within the context of Motherhood.
The social rules around Motherhood are the ones Mothers live their lives within.
These rules become embedded within our own lives, and in the systems, structures, and institutions that we live within.
without knowledge about the social system of motherhood we miss enormous opportunities for transformation, understanding, and change for mothers.
what is a ‘motherhood studies’ Sociologist?
Motherhood Studies is an area of study coined by Professor Andrea O’Reilly, providing an academic ‘home’ for research and writing on Motherhood, Mothering, and the experience of being a Mother.
Drawing on Motherhood Studies and decades of scholarship in this area, elevates our conversations, understandings, and teachings on Motherhood, and is critical for supporting Mothers themselves.
A Sociologist is a Social Scientist. Imagine a scientist in their science lab, studying a specimen under their microscope. Well a social scientist’s lab is our society. Our ‘specimens’ for study are individuals and groups. Our ‘microscope’ - our tools - are our theories, concepts, and methodologies that we use to help interpret and make meaning from our data.
A Motherhood Studies Sociologist is a social scientist who studies Mothers, Mothering and Motherhood.
I have spent 10 years researching Motherhood and have a PhD in Sociology specialising in Motherhood Studies from The University of Sydney. My passion and focus is in supporting those who work with mothers to develop, integrate, and adapt a sociological understanding of Motherhood into their businesses, careers, and professions.