The teacher as mother: exploring images of the teacher as mother in feminist utopian literature

Forde, C. (2013) The teacher as mother: exploring images of the teacher as mother in feminist utopian literature. In: McKinney, S. and McCluskey, R. (eds.) The Teacher: Image, Icon, Identity. Edwin Mellen Press, pp. 1-11.

Abstract

This paper explores the ideologies of gender underpinning a recurring metaphor of ‘teacher as mother’ an idea found in writings on teaching (Steedman, 1985) and in the autobiographical works of educators (Casey 1993, Beauboeuf-Lafomtant 2002). The ‘teacher as mother’ is also a potent image in feminist literature from early feminist texts such as Astell’s (1695) argument for the education of women and girls to contemporary feminist utopian texts which explore alternative societies based on principles derived from women’s maternal role. In these visions of a good (or at least better) society, education is seen as a process of nurturance which has its origins in the process of mothering. The teacher and learner relationship is conflated with that of mother and child in the formation of the next generation of citizens. However, though the role of mother in feminist utopian literature is presented as deeply rewarding and liberating for women (Gilman, 1979) it also can severely restrict women’s lives (Atwood, 1987). Therefore, though this image of ‘teacher as mother’ is rich in possibilities, there are significant implications for both women and men as educators. Part of the concern lies with the ideological construction of gender underpinning various understandings of ‘teacher as mother’. Feminist utopian texts enable us to explore these different ideological constructions of gender.

• Item Type: Book Sections
• Keywords: teacher as mothering, teacher image, teaching as mothering, feminist education
• Status: Published
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Forde, Prof Christine
• Authors: Forde, C.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Education
• Publisher: Edwin Mellen Press