Depending on the culture of the people different people react differently to pregnant Women. However, there is a perception that is common in most societies.
When people see a woman who is pregnant, most of them perceive her to be a mother, although this is just a thought, it is not exactly true because anything may happen to the child or mother between the time of conception and birth. People will first think of the child then later of the mother.
According to the western culture, motherhood is believed to be what defines and dignifies a woman, while those who are barren are considered to be highly disadvantaged and ill fated in the society.
Furthermore, those women who intentionally refuse to have children are perceived to be psychologically abnormal. In the industrialized society, pregnant women are viewed as those who possess an active maternal instinct. Besides, the community further puts up pressure on women through the mothering mandate to have children (Crawford 277).
How might these reactions contribute to women’s emotional responses to pregnancy?
The character of humans is nurtured from the expectations and believes they are taught by their parents and the society around them during their childhood. This determines the character of the person, which may be portrayed by the person’s choices in life. Pregnant women make their choices with regards to their pregnancy either consciously or unconsciously depending on the values they were brought up with.
This might be seen by the choice of a woman getting married before getting a child, others getting children out of wedlock while still others decide to live a childless life. Positive emotional response is perceived by those women who choose to have children as the society expects, while those who are childless either intentionally or by choice may have negative emotions towards pregnancy (Crawford 278).
Hostile and benevolent sexism
Sometimes, pregnant women may experience hostile sexism from their fellow women due to jealousy for not achieving similar results. This may be due to a failed relationship of the woman who is not pregnant, or the inability to have children due to barrenness or otherwise. In addition to that, they may face a hostile glance from most of the people when they take up roles meant for men while pregnant.
Likewise, they experience benevolent sexism from the husband family and friends, as well as the community especially if she is married. A woman may receive a special treatment by members of the public while shopping, and the whole family at home. This may be a show of gratitude from the society for taking up the mothering role.
The effects of pregnancy in regards to career
To most women, pregnancy is a life changing experience that is filled with mixed feelings of confusion and contentment both at the same time. However, when women become pregnant while pursuing their career, some of them take it as simple but find it to be very complex.
This is due to the endless needs of the infant and increased roles due to the change from a career woman to a mother and a house wife. It becomes a real challenge for the woman before she can adapt to the point that some of the women see the child as a barrier to their career (Crawford 273).
Works Cited
Crawford, Mary. Transformations: Women, Gender and Psychology, New York: McGraw Hill Publishers, 2012. Print.