Historiography of the problem of motherhood in scientific research in Ukraine late XX – early XXІ century

Abstract

This article provides a historical analysis of the category «motherhood» in Ukrainian scientific research late XX – early XX century. The following research methods were used as part of the study: systematic analysis, synthesis and generalization of scientific, educational and professional literature, theoretical and structural clarification methods of conceptual installations. On the basis of references, the author reveals the essence of the category of «motherhood» and expounds the author’s definition as a category of social education: motherhood is a social and cultural phenomenon that requires the support of social education from the state, society, and society. The main task of institutions and families is to examine wishes and needs and help create the conditions necessary to ensure mothers' rights to health care, education, work and full self-realization. It is characteristic that history allows us to identify the challenges, issues and norms associated with motherhood and how they have changed over time. The study found that in references to the social domain, the category “motherhood” was considered from the perspectives of the biological (reproductive function), social (educational function) and legal domains. In the scientific literature, the category “motherhood” is the subject of analysis in philosophical, medical, legal, sociological, pedagogical, and psychological studies. The author presents her own ideas for a mother-centred approach, at the heart of which is to channel social and educational support at the macro, meso and micro levels to create the conditions for the fulfillment of mothers' rights in society and within the family. It concludes that historical research on motherhood addresses the role of motherhood in history, shifting conceptions of motherhood, and the psychological, socio-educational, economic, sociocultural, medical, legal, and political aspects of motherhood across time and context.