Motherhood and the Construction of “Mommy Identity”: Messages about Motherhood and Face Negotiation

Abstract

This study examined women's attitudes about motherhood by utilizing the concept of “face” (Goffman, 1967) and the role memorable messages play in the construction of women's identities as mothers. Results suggested that women could recall messages from a variety of sources, including family members and other mothers. Participants generally reported that they did not seek to maintain a “good mother face” for others, yet when asked to provide reasons why they engaged in facework behaviors, they provided a variety of reasons such as acceptance and approval.

Keywords:

• Face Negotiation
• Identity
• Memorable Messages
• Mothers

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jennifer M. Heisler

Jennifer M. Heisler (PhD, Michigan State University, 2001) is an associate professor in Oakland University's Department of Communication and Journalism.

Jennifer Butler Ellis

Jennifer Butler Ellis (PhD, Michigan State University, 2001) is a professor of practice and director of the Ernst & Young Accounting Business Communication Center within the Eli Broad College of Business at Michigan State University.