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A review by steviestyx
Regretting Motherhood: A Study by Orna Donath
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.75
Although I didn’t “love” reading this book I would consider it essential reading for everyone, regardless of whether they have children, plan to have children, or wish to remain childless.
This is not a typical non-fiction read, it is a qualitative study. So, yes, it is going to feel “academic”. The study design was robust and as with any study the limitations were clearly and comprehensively outlined in the beginning. I appreciate how objectively the author presented the information and avoided bias, which is expected of a study and is not necessarily required of nonfiction writing. It was interesting to learn about social expectations in Israel for both religious and secular women, and I appreciate that the author included a section of the book to summarize current literature on queer motherhood to make up for the absence of queer participants. I would love to see this study replicated in different cultures and demographics.
I plan to remain childless and it was very validating to hear that many others have had the same thoughts - that many do not regret their children but regret what is required to be a mother.
This is not a typical non-fiction read, it is a qualitative study. So, yes, it is going to feel “academic”. The study design was robust and as with any study the limitations were clearly and comprehensively outlined in the beginning. I appreciate how objectively the author presented the information and avoided bias, which is expected of a study and is not necessarily required of nonfiction writing. It was interesting to learn about social expectations in Israel for both religious and secular women, and I appreciate that the author included a section of the book to summarize current literature on queer motherhood to make up for the absence of queer participants. I would love to see this study replicated in different cultures and demographics.
I plan to remain childless and it was very validating to hear that many others have had the same thoughts - that many do not regret their children but regret what is required to be a mother.