– ‘Raven mothers’ –
Speaking to AFP, Vinken said Donath’s study touched a chord in Germany because it “radically questions the joy of having children in a society that expects everything from mothers, and where the mothers demand everything of themselves.”
The notion that children’s well-being depends on their mothers and not on the society around them or their fathers, is deeply entrenched in Germany and creates real obstacles to women’s careers.
“It’s not like in France, where you can have a glass of champagne during your pregnancy, limit the time you breastfeed and go back to work and adult life three months after giving birth,” Vinken said, contrasting Germany with its far more fecund neighbour.
A mother who returns to the office without taking maternity leave for a year – or often three – opens herself up to being branded a “Rabenmutter” (raven mother) – women who dump their kids in childcare so they can pursue their personal goals.
The political discourse has evolved since Angela Merkel took power a decade ago, ushering in new policies targeting the low birth rate including expanding nursery spots and creating incentives for fathers to take parental leave.
But cultural change has been slower in coming, with the top-selling Bild daily railing as recently as last summer against women who “pursue careers, wear trouser suits, drink smoothies and work out”.
The male columnist was not finished: “They look like men. They are not mothers. They no longer wake up at night when their child is afraid of thunder and lightning.”
