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The Social Definition Of Motherhood In Israel By David Sperling

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Recommended: Role of women in Judaism

In the Western society I was raised in, a mother is usually understood as one of two ways. A mother is either a selfless and hardworking nurturer, or a protective and “helicoptering” figure who will do anything for her child. While many mothers, in actuality, encompass neither or both of these roles and many more, the definition usually encompasses much more someone who has given birth. The true definition of being a mother is simply to be a female parent, however, the social definition of “Motherhood” has been stretched in many societies. Throughout our class, I have learned different ways in which motherhood in Israel specifically has grown to encompass roles related not only to your children but also to the entire household. This did not …show more content…

Jacqueline Portugese agrees with this and calls it, conclusively, Zionism (20). These beliefs and rights have led to state policy fully or partially subsidizing in vitro fertilization and assisted reproductive technology and have made it possible for many more women to have children. According to Dr. Moria Paz, there is even sponsoring for a family to have three children. The government’s willingness to even pay for this effort, once again, shows how the law has shaped women as mothers before anything …show more content…

Berkovitch explains that “Motherhood of non-Jewish women, though not promoted, also has a national meaning, but that of a threat to the ideological foundation of the Zionist state” (198) and this further narrows down what it means to be a proper Israeli mother. Berkovitch argues this point in the scope of Palestinian women and the threat that their children present specifically. Fertility of Palestinian women leads to more Palestinian children, and a larger population of Palestinians can challenge and threaten an Israeli population. Dr. Moria Paz discussed in class that while IVF is subsidized in Israel, it is much more difficult for Palestinian women. A Palestinian population threatens the Zionist value of Israel as a whole. However, there are other groups of women that are also not necessarily encouraged to have children in

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