Citation

Bell P. Child. Soc. 2003; 17(2): 126-136.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, National Children's Bureau of the United Kingdom, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1002/CHI.744

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The disclosure of incestuous abuse of a child constitutes such a departure from normative expectations of mothering that it necessitates a complete reappraisal and reconstruction of the mother's identity. This article draws on interview material with women in this situation in order to demonstrate how very traditional gendered parenting models were employed in repairing damaged identities. The ways in which such reliance on the protective and selfless aspects of mothering could contribute to the failure to recognise the abuse of their child are also discussed. In conclusion, motherhood as a source of power for women within the family is critically examined.