Mother Raises Young by Isabella Brooks

Mother Raises Young explores the historical construction of motherhood, unraveling the societal forces that intensified the focus on female child-rearing, particularly before 1980. It examines how cultural narratives shaped the notion of "intensive mothering," where women were expected to devote themselves primarily to their children. The book analyzes parenting advice from period-specific books, magazines, and expert opinions, revealing how societal expectations were disseminated and reinforced.

This book argues that the concentration on female child-rearing was not a natural phenomenon, but a culturally constructed ideal, influenced by historical, economic, and social factors. For instance, the shift from agrarian to industrialized norms transformed the roles ascribed to women.

The book progresses by first defining key terms and outlining the scope, then it explores the historical development of this ideal by examining its roots in industrialization and the influence of psychological theories. It culminates by discussing the legacy of these trends and their relevance to contemporary parenting debates.