Ending the Mother War
Most mothers are too busy to start a revolution, so it takes a powerful argument to light the torch. Ending the Mother war is the touchpaper. In it, Jayne Buxton shows that there is a way out of the battle between Earthmother and Superwoman, and an alternative to the entrenched positions and false choices these role models represent. Her simple, stark conclusion – that we need a fundamental restructuring of the workplace – is the only one which offers real hope of a release from the stalemate and of genuine change in the name of families.
Jayne Buxton tells stories from real women’s lives to unravel the Myths from the Superwoman’s briefcase and the Myths from the Earthmother’s kitchen – the lies women tell themselves and each other in the course of defending their choices. She shows that in the absence of workplace change working women stand to gain little from more effective coping strategies, better childcare or more new men, and full time mothers will find themselves sacrificing more than a few short years in the false hopes of guaranteeing their own and their children’s wellbeing.
Using concrete examples from business and case studies of individuals, she makes a passionate and convincing case for radical change. Ending the Mother War is a clarion call for mothers, fathers, business leaders and policy makers and a vision and blueprint for a better working future for men, women, and most of all, for children.
Reviews
“A groundbreaking new book.” You Magazine.
“Every working mother arrives at a point where she cannot reconcile the values she lives by at home with the ones she serves at work. Most of us have seen this as a personal failure. Media myths about mothers only serve to strengthen that impression. In this fiercely intelligent book, Jayne Buxton pierces these myths to show the real problem: the uncompromising, unaccommodating workplace.” Maureen Freely.
“Once the male establishment properly values mothers (and therefore fathering too) all manner of riches will flow – not least that our children will flourish. This book is a vital part of making that happen. Read it!” Yvonne Roberts.
“This is the book that we mothers who muddle through would have written if only we’d had the time.” Irish Times
“Real women are neither always Earthmothers, determined to stay at home with their children at all costs, nor Superwomen, convinced that if you are organised enough you can have it all. They’re somewhere in between and they want a better solution to the problems they face in the workplace. This book offers it.” Blackwells Bookshop.
“I found this book an excellent analysis of the modern workplace and relevant to my personal debate. It has been highly influential on how I have sought to develop my career and on my approach to mothering during the early years of my children’s lives. Whilst the workplace is not developing as quickly in this direction as it could, this book sets out the sensible way forward. Well worth reading. I have lent it to several people - and recently purchased it again as it had gone astray!” Reader review, Amazon.
“This is a book that should be read by any working mother..” SW Magazine.
“Jayne Buxton’s analysis moves the arguments away from the polarised stereotypes which bear little resemblance to the lives of millions of mothers who seek to balance commitment to their families with their need to work…It is encouraging that Ms Buxton’s rational and clear thinking is at last achieving a national profile for this hitherto silent group, whose opinions and experiences have, up to now, been heard only at the supermarket checkout or the sympathetic dinner party.” Letter to the Editor, The Sunday Times.
“It was nice to read a balanced argument – it takes us all a great step forward.” Letter from reader.
“May I congratulate you on the spirit and objectives of your project which can benefit both families and organisations – and indeed, society in general.” Reader review.