Research into the Nature of Motherhood

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In Japan, the problem of a decrease in the birthrate has had a big influence throughout society, including mother-and-child health. Looking carefully at the mother-and-child relationship, we conducted research for three years using reference research, qualitative research, and quantitative research methods. The purpose of the research was to clarify the traditional nature of motherhood covering three postwar generations, considering views on a childcare, mothering, and childcare behavior. Furthermore, we sought to clarify the influence of society, economy, culture, etc. on the traditional nature of motherhood, considering the differences between generations. We found that views on a childcare, mothering, and childcare behavior have been affected by the trend toward the nuclear family, the increase in female schooling, changes in economic conditions such as postwar high economic growth, and significant changes in society. Shortly after the war when the present grandmothers were brought up, mothers bore sole responsibility for child-rearing. Before this, much of the child-rearing was done by the mother-in-law who lived with the family, with support from the whole family. The childcare burden on the mother was not great. As a daughter went through adolescence she had enough contact with her grandmother and mother to learn about motherhood and childcare. The present generation of mothers have learned about motherhood and childcare from their mothers, but have also been influenced by society, culture and economic conditions. We find that these mothers have difficulties reconciling the different influences. In conclusion, we suggest a return to traditional behavior by encouraging a good relationship between mother and daughter in the early years, through puberty and adolescence, so that values for motherhood and childcare can be passed down. Finally, we propose forming local support systems to enhance a tradition of motherhood suitable for 21st century society.