maternalcentrism

Maternalcentrism is a social, cultural, or political orientation that centers the role and experiences of mothers in the design of family life, public policy, and cultural norms. Proponents argue that motherhood shapes daily life and social reproduction, and that policies should reflect mothers’ needs and perspectives.

The term is not widely standardized in scholarly literature, but it is used in discussions of caregiving, feminist theory, and anthropology to describe a bias that prioritizes maternal viewpoints or caregiving responsibilities as central to social organization.

In analyses of policy and culture, maternalcentrism may appear as emphasis on motherhood as the core social unit or as justification for policies such as parental leave, childcare, and family services. It is distinct from matriarchy, which denotes political power concentrated in women; maternalcentrism concerns centrality of motherhood, not necessarily governance.

Critics caution that maternalcentrism can reinforce gender essentialism, impose normative expectations on mothers, and marginalize fathers, non-maternal caregivers, or individuals who do not identify as mothers. It may also risk framing caregiving as inherently feminine, rather than a human responsibility.

In studies and debates, discussions around maternalcentrism intersect with debates on gender roles, social policy, and family architecture. It can contribute to policy design that supports caregiving, while also requiring careful attention to inclusivity and diverse family structures.

Related concepts include maternalism, caregiving, maternal gatekeeping, and gender role socialization.