Mothers on American Television - by Kim Akass (Hardcover)

About the Book

This book offers a psychoanalytical, Marxist, feminist approach to the way motherhood is portrayed in quality American television series and how that affects the position of mothers in neoliberal American society.

Book Synopsis

Mothers on American television takes an in-depth look at how motherhood is represented on some of the most popular television series produced this century. Adopting a feminist, Marxist, cultural studies and psychoanalytical approach, the book offers a history of the positioning of mothers within American society. It provides detailed analysis of The Sopranos, Sex and the City, The Handmaid's Tale and more, while reflecting on the newspaper 'mommy wars', employment patterns and alternative views of motherhood.

From the Back Cover

Mothers on American television: From here to maternity offers an in-depth look at how motherhood is represented on some of the most popular quality television series produced this century and how that impacts on their positioning within a neoliberal society. Taking a feminist, Marxist, cultural studies and psychoanalytical approach, the book provides a history of the positioning of mothers within American society, the newspapers' 'mommy wars', and employment patterns, and offers an alternative view of the way motherhood is regarded.

The book argues that American television series betray a deeply held misogyny towards motherhood. It works through a selection of mothers, arguing that they are representative of the way television creators and executives negatively regard motherhood. It also argues that cultural commentators and audiences are unaware of this positioning, and illustrates why this matters to mothers in society.

Mothers on American television is essential reading for those who wonder why motherhood is so underappreciated and unsupported in America right now.

Review Quotes

'Akass (Rowan Univ.) interrogates the representation of mothers and motherhood in prestigious American television series. She argues that despite the existence of more women showrunners and more television series featuring women, the objectification of women and the reinforcement of patriarchal norms and women's inequality have not diminished.'
CHOICE

About the Author

Kim Akass is Professor of Radio, Television and Film at Rowan University