Motherhood Ideals in Italy between Individual and Societal Preferences: A Conjoint Experiment

Motherhood ideals significantly influence women's career aspirations, family choices, and fertility decisions. However, there is still limited understanding of what women consider ideal motherhood, and these ideals are often difficult to define, as they may be shaped by circumstances and convenience. This study examines personal ideals of motherhood and societal perceptions of it. Understanding both personal and perceived societal ideals is essential for assessing whether individuals’ views of motherhood align with or differ from societal expectations. The study draws on two motherhood models discussed in the literature—intensive (Hays, 1996) and extensive (Christopher, 2012) motherhood. The presentation will show the results of a conjoint experiment that is used to explore personal ideals and societal perceptions of motherhood in Italy. Based on previous research, seven key dimensions of motherhood are identified—employment, identity, leisure time, childcare support, the father’s role, food preparation, and interactive mother-child activities—and their relating intensive or extensive characteristics. The conjoint experiment is integrated into an online survey of approximatively 6,000 Italian parents and childless respondents and is administered in the fall of 2024. Given Italy’s traditional culture and its movement toward change, we hypothesize that Italian women will favor extensive motherhood practices but perceive societal ideals as leaning toward intensive motherhood. We also expect differences in these perceptions based on education level and region of respondents. The study has the potential to advance research on motherhood and inform policymakers about interventions aimed at supporting mothers and families.

References

Christopher, K. (2012). Extensive mothering: Employed mothers’ constructions of the good mother. Gender and Society, 26(1), 73–96. https://doi.org/10.1177/0891243211427700

Hays, S. (1996). The Cultural Contradictions of Motherhood. Yale University Press.