Research Article

The Representation of Motherhood in Netflix Series: The Case of the Maid and Who Were We Running From

Volume: 26 Number: 1 June 28, 2025
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The Representation of Motherhood in Netflix Series: The Case of the Maid and Who Were We Running From

Abstract

This study, arguing that motherhood/mothering is a political act, analyzes two Netflix productions centered on the theme. To analyze the representation of mothering/motherhood, it applies Fiona Joy Green’s (2020) three central concepts within feminist mothering: oppose the institution of motherhood, view mothering as an empowered and political act, and practice matroreform. The method of this study is Feminist Close Reading, which allows for a comparative analysis of whose narratives will be prioritized, amplifying the voices of marginalized perspectives across various traditions. The research focusing on Netflix delivering duplicate content to a large audience across different countries demonstrates that these productions do not romanticize motherhood, impose outdated gender roles, or define women solely through their familial roles. Instead, they reveal that the mothers in these narratives resist societal norms, representing women characters striving to fulfill their authentic identities and stay true to themselves.

Keywords

References

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  5. Bakker, W. and Lia.K. (2013). Balancing Paid Work, Care and Leisure in Post-Separation Households: A Comparison of Single Parents with Co-parents.”Acta Sociologica, 56(2):173–187.
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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Gender and Politics, Women's Studies

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

June 28, 2025

Submission Date

January 13, 2025

Acceptance Date

June 17, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 26 Number: 1

APA
Onay Coker, D. (2025). The Representation of Motherhood in Netflix Series: The Case of the Maid and Who Were We Running From. Kadın/Woman/2000, 26(1), 359-386. https://doi.org/10.33831/jws.v26i1.530
AMA
1.Onay Coker D. The Representation of Motherhood in Netflix Series: The Case of the Maid and Who Were We Running From. JWS. 2025;26(1):359-386. doi:10.33831/jws.v26i1.530
Chicago
Onay Coker, Duygu. 2025. “The Representation of Motherhood in Netflix Series: The Case of the Maid and Who Were We Running From”. Kadın/Woman/2000 26 (1): 359-86. https://doi.org/10.33831/jws.v26i1.530.
EndNote
Onay Coker D (June 1, 2025) The Representation of Motherhood in Netflix Series: The Case of the Maid and Who Were We Running From. Kadın/Woman 2000 26 1 359–386.
IEEE
[1]D. Onay Coker, “The Representation of Motherhood in Netflix Series: The Case of the Maid and Who Were We Running From”, JWS, vol. 26, no. 1, pp. 359–386, June 2025, doi: 10.33831/jws.v26i1.530.
ISNAD
Onay Coker, Duygu. “The Representation of Motherhood in Netflix Series: The Case of the Maid and Who Were We Running From”. Kadın/Woman 2000 26/1 (June 1, 2025): 359-386. https://doi.org/10.33831/jws.v26i1.530.
JAMA
1.Onay Coker D. The Representation of Motherhood in Netflix Series: The Case of the Maid and Who Were We Running From. JWS. 2025;26:359–386.
MLA
Onay Coker, Duygu. “The Representation of Motherhood in Netflix Series: The Case of the Maid and Who Were We Running From”. Kadın/Woman/2000, vol. 26, no. 1, June 2025, pp. 359-86, doi:10.33831/jws.v26i1.530.
Vancouver
1.Duygu Onay Coker. The Representation of Motherhood in Netflix Series: The Case of the Maid and Who Were We Running From. JWS. 2025 Jun. 1;26(1):359-86. doi:10.33831/jws.v26i1.530