Motherhood and Cultural Expectations - An Autoethnography on Parenting a Child with Dyspraxia

Sarathy, Muthupon (2017) Motherhood and Cultural Expectations - An Autoethnography on Parenting a Child with Dyspraxia. [Dissertation (University of Nottingham only)]

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Abstract

The purpose of this dissertation is to explore the impact of cultural expectations about

motherhood and how it affects parenting a child with a disability. Culture is part of the

fabric of every society. It shapes the way things are done and our understanding of

why this should be so. There is a very close connection between parenting and

cultural attitudes and it is well-documented that the ways parents care for their

children is shaped by their cultural beliefs and values.

The methodology of autoethnography was used to explore my journey as an Indian

mother of a child with dyspraxia and my mothering experience. Data was gathered for

this research from my memory and reflective journals. The autoethnographic stories

were written after remembering and recollecting from my memory with an emphasis

on experiences that affected my life as a mother. Data analysis and interpretation

involved focusing in and out of the social and personal realm, alternating between

self and others, and sinking in and emerging out of the labyrinths of data. I have

attempted to better understand how Indian cultural expectations have affected my

personal experiences and expectations of motherhood by telling and reflexively

analysing my stories. This research has made me realise the power and

pervasiveness of cultural expectations and dominant ideologies of motherhood in my

life and how they have shaped and influenced my thoughts and action in parenting a

child with dyspraxia. The implications and suggestions for professionals and mothers,

based on my experiences, are also provided. The role of the father, the society and

the media in assisting children with disabilities and their families have also been

discussed.

Item Type: Dissertation (University of Nottingham only)
Depositing User: Gigg, Diane
Date Deposited: 06 Mar 2018 16:47
Last Modified: 07 Mar 2018 15:58
URI: https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/50243

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