One bad mother : in praise of psycho housewives, stage parents, momfluencers, and other women we love to hate / Ej Dickson.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Dickson, Ej, author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Motherhood--Social aspects.

Motherhood.

Motherhood--Public opinion.

Physical Description:

333 pages ; 22 cm

Edition:

First Simon Element hardcover edition.

Place of Publication:

New York, NY : Simon Element, 2026.

Summary:

"We all have an idea what it means to be a good mom: little screen time, kids hitting their milestones, endless patience and understanding, and self-sacrifice on behalf of one's children. But what does it mean to be a "bad mom" in modern society? Women as wide-ranging as Meghan Markle, Hannah Neelman (of Ballerina Farm), and anyone giving birth over forty, have been labeled "bad moms." In a world where the rules are constantly changing, it feels like women simply cannot win. With this in mind, in her first book, Ej Dickson takes a sharp, provocative look at one of society's most polarizing labels: the "bad mom." What makes a mother "bad," and why? Through the lens of pop culture and American history, Ej Dickson explores how this trope has evolved--from Victorian "angels in the house" to the infamous Mommie Dearest, from Instagram influencers like EmRata and Mormon momfluencers to fictional icons like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Each chapter dives into a different archetype of so-called bad motherhood--like the Stage Mom, the Tiger Mom, the MILF, the MLM hun--challenging us to rethink our assumptions about femininity, parenting, and societal expectations. Drawing on insightful analysis and interviews, Dickson unpacks why our culture is obsessed with vilifying moms and how issues of race and class shape these narratives. Are bad moms truly "bad," or do they simply defy norms we don't fully understand--or fear?"-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

Introduction: This was a bad idea, or, Why I should lie to people more

The marvelous Mrs. Mommy paradox : why being a working mother is like doing ayahuasca

"Hal, it's about cats" : the (relatively recent) birth of the "bad mother"

"No more wire hangers ever" : wrestling with the ghost of Joan Crawford

Stifler's mom has got it goin' on : battle hymn of the MILF

"Give 'em love and what does it get ya?" : why we love to hate (and hate to love) stage moms

Peg, it will come back to you : at home with the Bundys

One very bad day : Linda Taylor, the welfare queen, and the monster of our making

Casey Anthony is in the book : on true crime and motherhood

The perfect storm : the making of MAHA moms, anti-vaxxers, and housewife insurrectionists

Lighter, easier, and more joyful : the eternal appeal of trad wives and momfluencers

The rise of the Huns : in defense of MLM mommies

Conclusion: Ramsay Bolton was right : if you think this gas a happy ending, you haven't been paying attention.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 281-333).

ISBN:

9781668051115

1668051117

9781668051122

1668051125

OCLC:

1566227601

Publisher Number:

CIPO000321732