WEAVING THE PAST: AN ANALYSIS OF THE SOCIO-CULTURAL HISTORY OF MOTHERHOOD AND ITS IMPACTS FROM AN EXISTENTIALIST PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

This article explores the complex socio-cultural history of motherhood from an existentialist approach, analyzing how the maternal experience has been shaped by historical, social and cultural factors. Motherhood, often idealized as a natural instinct, turns out to be, in fact, a social construction that crosses different contexts and times. The study addresses the emotional and psychic transformations that accompany motherhood, as well as the impact of social expectations on the formation of maternal identity. Furthermore, Perinatal Psychology is highlighted as an important field for the mental care of mothers, offering essential support in the face of contemporary pressures. This work, using an integrative review of the literature, offers a comprehensive view of the dynamics that affect the experience of motherhood today.