That there could be something in the world that a woman could want more than children has been viewed as unacceptable. Things may be marginally different now, but, even if there is something she wants more than children, that is no reason for a woman to remain childless. Any normal woman, it is understood, wants-and should want-both.
The expectation that women should prioritize motherhood above all else has been a longstanding societal norm. Traditional views often deem it unacceptable for a woman to desire something more than having children. Although perceptions may be gradually shifting, there remains an implicit belief that if a woman values her aspirations beyond motherhood, it does not justify her choice to remain childless. Such attitudes reinforce the idea that a "normal" woman is one who inherently desires both children and personal ambitions.
This perspective, as highlighted in Sigrid Nunez's book "Selfish, Shallow, and Self-Absorbed," illustrates the pressure placed on women to conform to established motherhood ideals. Many women, however, seek fulfillment in various pursuits that can coexist with or even supersede the desire for children. The authors challenge the notion that choosing not to have kids is a selfish act, advocating for broader acceptance of diverse choices women can make about their lives.
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Other quotes in Selfish, Shallow, and Self-Absorbed: Sixteen Writers on The Decision Not To Have Kids
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All the things you can talk about in anyone's work are the things that are least important.
Race of Cain, ascend to heaven, And cast God down upon the earth!
