Mutterbilder

The image of the mother is both traditionally shaped and subject to constant change. Cultural ideals and models as well as individual self-image shape our image of motherhood. Against this background, we need to ask: How "natural" are motherhood and motherly love? How do societal demands - for example, the reconciliation of work and family - affect the role of women and mothers and the role of fathers, which needs to be redefined? The authors explore these questions and illuminate both the historical dimension of the respective images of motherhood and contemporary problems and phenomena of the myth of motherhood. They question stereotypes and family models, examine the physical and psychological dimensions of motherhood and show the scope for action and possibilities for self-determined motherhood and fatherhood. With articles by Karin Flaake, Helga Krüger-Kirn, Marita Metz-Becker, Ingrid Rieken, Elisabeth de Sotelo, Sabine Toppe and Ulrike Wagner-Rau as well as an article by the gallery owner Michael W. Schmalfuß.