Motherhood: subjectivity as continuity and change

Abstract

Starting from the works of Pina Boggi Cavallo on female subjectivity and motherhood 
written at the end of '70s and beginning of '80s, this paper proposes an updated reading 
from different paradigms of contemporary psychological research. 
Motherhood is a complex transition for the woman and for the context in which she 
lives. This phase involves deep and permanent physical, emotional and social changes 

and shows the articulation between biological and cultural codes. Cultural practices are 
inextricably intertwined with the '' being' and 'becoming' mother and they can represent 
a possible constraint for the unfolding of a creative dimension of the maternal identity. 
The notion of Subjectivity introduced by Pina Boggi Cavallo illuminates, in a more 
dialectic fashion, the aspects of continuity and change of motherhood and gives freedom 
and movement to the woman who can transgress and mediate between social dictates 
and cultural expectations while preserving the sense of continuity of the Self.