The Meaning of Motherhood in Feminist Instagram Users in Metropolitan Lima

Abstract

Introduction. In recent years, feminism has occupied a larger space within Peruvian society, and it has become common to hear debates and diverse opinions from the population on issues related to this movement. The right to decide whether or not to be a mother is one of the main issues, making motherhood a topic of discussion. Objective. To delve into the participants' accounts to describe and learn about the meaning of motherhood in a specific group of women, in this case, third-wave feminists. Methodology. A qualitative phenomenological study. The technique used for data collection was the semi-structured individual interview. It was carried out in Lima, Peru. The sample consisted of 7 participants. Results and Discussion. Three categories were identified after the analysis: (a) Senses of motherhood: conception and experience facing motherhood, (b) Being a woman: own perspective and society’s perspective, (c) Corporeality: femininity and emotional experience from the body. Conclusions. The participants agree that the care and affection given to the infant are what defines the role of mother, that is, this role is no longer assigned solely to the female gender, leaving in the past the equation woman equals mother, thus broadening the horizons of the phenomenon and thus understanding its complexity.