Motherhood in the life of women and families in the 20th/21st century

Motherhood is characterized by complexity and contradictions. This thesis analyzes these in the lives of women and families in 20th/21st century Germany. First, the historical changes in the role of mother and woman are examined within a narrow historical framework in order to then characterize the foundations for the ideological formation of consciousness. Problems of decision-making in relation to the family are discussed and the roles of father and child are embedded in overall contexts. Everyday experiences of mothers as well as the social framework conditions deepen the statements on the historical changes. Comparisons of the framework conditions with neighbouring European countries help to concretize future demands on German politics and society. A debate is needed today and in the future in order to reconcile the goal of the mother with the free decision of the woman and to realize the "either/or solution" for women that has prevailed up to now.