Becoming a ‘Better’ Parent? Motherhood, education and transition

Abstract

The focus of this paper is a parent education group, offering parents an accredited practical skills course, which aims to familiarise them with educational activities suitable for young children. Drawing on theories from Gramsci and set within a context informed by social policy analysis, this paper examines both the content of the course and the experiences of the female students. It looks in detail at the discourse of ‘sensitive mothering’ and considers the extent to which the course promotes adherence to such an approach. This paper also considers the relationships between teachers and taught, and how these are mediated by social class differences. The women's positive accounts are seen as vital in constructing an understanding of the course and its successes, possibilities and limitations.