NAME:
STUDENT NUMBER:
MODULE CODE: SOC2604
EXAM PERIOD: OCT/NOV 2022
EXAM DATE: 01/11/2022
QUESTIONS 2 AN 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONTENTS PAGE
QUESTION 2 3
Write an essay in which you critically evaluate parenthood by referring to 3
motherhood and fatherhood ideologies
Conclusion 4
QUESTION 3 5
Write a critical essay on the different theoretical models applied to people
with disabilities and relate how the deaf community can be regarded as an
example of a marginalised identity
Conclusion 7
List of sources consulted 7
1
, QUESTION 2
Write an essay in which you critically evaluate parenthood by referring to
motherhood and fatherhood ideologies. Provide examples.
In this essay we will critically evaluate parenthood by referring to motherhood and
fatherhood ideologies
The motherhood ideologies is an idea and perception that is created about women, that
they have been given a role and life purpose of being a mother and raising children.
Newman (1998:268) stated that women have been made to think a certain way about
themselves through society convincing them that having children is a primary source of
self-identity. Bruce, Lloyd and Leonard (1995:55) have stated that cultural belief may
even prevent father from being directly involved in their children’s lives. Bruce et al
(1995:49) also state that as much as women’s lives are characterised mostly by
motherhood, men’s lives don’t seem to be characterised mostly by fatherhood. The term
‘intense mothering’ refers to the fact that need constant, undivided attention of their
mothers (Hay in Ranson 2004:88). The link between mother and children is therefore
regularly taken for granted, while the link between father and their children is
downplayed and not given much attention. This ideology dates back to the 1950s, after
WWII, the role of mothering was to be taken serious. Even when black women were
striking against pass laws in 1956, it was labelled as mothers fighting for their children.
Downe (2004:165-178) points how many people tend to perceive stepmother as ‘not
real mothers’ and encourages that we accept the wider categories of motherhood.
In the fatherhood ideology, it is clear that there are many roles that a father plays. The
roles linked to a father are moral overseer, sex role model and nurturer (Lamb 1986:4-7;
Marsiglio 1995:3). In South African literature fathers are described as important role
models (Viljoen 1993:155; Lesejane 2006:176), heads of households (Walker
1995:421), being in charge of family rituals (Ramphele 1993:53) and being the reinforce
of discipline (Campbell 1994a:41). Fathers are most often seen as a patriarch and a
breadwinner and lately associated with “new fatherhood”. The patriarch refers to being
the head of the household or tribe, the father has been pictured in this role within the
household for a very long time, he is seen as the person who everyone in the household
or tribe goes to for guidance and advice. It is safe to say that we are moving away from
the idea that the men are the patriarch in the household, in two different ways, one
being that many women all around the world are breaking away from these norms within
households and companies. Another being that in a lot of cases nowadays, fathers
simply aren’t present in their children’s lives and in the household anymore. Being the
breadwinner in the household means you are either earning the most money to support
your family or you are the sole provider in the household. The breadwinner in the
household usually is the father as due to historical reasons, men have always had
better jobs and we are still seeing some after effects. However this is also an idea that
is being abolished slowly but surely as many women are becoming the heads of
companies and getting fantastic jobs. In my household, both my parents have excellent
2
STUDENT NUMBER:
MODULE CODE: SOC2604
EXAM PERIOD: OCT/NOV 2022
EXAM DATE: 01/11/2022
QUESTIONS 2 AN 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONTENTS PAGE
QUESTION 2 3
Write an essay in which you critically evaluate parenthood by referring to 3
motherhood and fatherhood ideologies
Conclusion 4
QUESTION 3 5
Write a critical essay on the different theoretical models applied to people
with disabilities and relate how the deaf community can be regarded as an
example of a marginalised identity
Conclusion 7
List of sources consulted 7
1
, QUESTION 2
Write an essay in which you critically evaluate parenthood by referring to
motherhood and fatherhood ideologies. Provide examples.
In this essay we will critically evaluate parenthood by referring to motherhood and
fatherhood ideologies
The motherhood ideologies is an idea and perception that is created about women, that
they have been given a role and life purpose of being a mother and raising children.
Newman (1998:268) stated that women have been made to think a certain way about
themselves through society convincing them that having children is a primary source of
self-identity. Bruce, Lloyd and Leonard (1995:55) have stated that cultural belief may
even prevent father from being directly involved in their children’s lives. Bruce et al
(1995:49) also state that as much as women’s lives are characterised mostly by
motherhood, men’s lives don’t seem to be characterised mostly by fatherhood. The term
‘intense mothering’ refers to the fact that need constant, undivided attention of their
mothers (Hay in Ranson 2004:88). The link between mother and children is therefore
regularly taken for granted, while the link between father and their children is
downplayed and not given much attention. This ideology dates back to the 1950s, after
WWII, the role of mothering was to be taken serious. Even when black women were
striking against pass laws in 1956, it was labelled as mothers fighting for their children.
Downe (2004:165-178) points how many people tend to perceive stepmother as ‘not
real mothers’ and encourages that we accept the wider categories of motherhood.
In the fatherhood ideology, it is clear that there are many roles that a father plays. The
roles linked to a father are moral overseer, sex role model and nurturer (Lamb 1986:4-7;
Marsiglio 1995:3). In South African literature fathers are described as important role
models (Viljoen 1993:155; Lesejane 2006:176), heads of households (Walker
1995:421), being in charge of family rituals (Ramphele 1993:53) and being the reinforce
of discipline (Campbell 1994a:41). Fathers are most often seen as a patriarch and a
breadwinner and lately associated with “new fatherhood”. The patriarch refers to being
the head of the household or tribe, the father has been pictured in this role within the
household for a very long time, he is seen as the person who everyone in the household
or tribe goes to for guidance and advice. It is safe to say that we are moving away from
the idea that the men are the patriarch in the household, in two different ways, one
being that many women all around the world are breaking away from these norms within
households and companies. Another being that in a lot of cases nowadays, fathers
simply aren’t present in their children’s lives and in the household anymore. Being the
breadwinner in the household means you are either earning the most money to support
your family or you are the sole provider in the household. The breadwinner in the
household usually is the father as due to historical reasons, men have always had
better jobs and we are still seeing some after effects. However this is also an idea that
is being abolished slowly but surely as many women are becoming the heads of
companies and getting fantastic jobs. In my household, both my parents have excellent
2
