Revisiting “Women, Children, and Philosophy”

On 11/25/2007 I posted on the dilemma of being a mother and a philosopher, having one’s attention trained in seemingly opposite directions, and what the connection might be to the dearth of women and mothers in philosophy.  The comments that poured out in relation to that post are amazing, even six years later.  (And some of you will see your younger selves there.) If you care about these issues, give it a read.  

I’m wondering now how it seems for younger women / parents in philosophy.  So have a look at that old stream and comment here. Are accommodations at conferences any better?  Are departments supportive?  Are partners helpful? Do you feel that tug between thinking and parenting?  Does that have to be an opposition or can it be a productive relationship?

By Noelle McAfee

I am professor of philosophy at Emory University and editor of the Kettering Review. My latest book, Fear of Breakdown: Politics and Psychoanalysis, explores what is behind the upsurge of virulent nationalism and intransigent politics across the world today. My other writings include Democracy and the Political Unconscious; Habermas, Kristeva, and Citizenship; Julia Kristeva; and numerous articles and book chapters. Edited volumes include Standing with the Public: the Humanities and Democratic Practice and a special issue of the philosophy journal Hypatia on feminist engagements in democratic theory. I am also the author of the entry on feminist political philosophy in the online Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy and well into my next book project on democratic public life.

1 comment

  1. My daughter is a high-powered Google executive and faces similar problems balancing motherhood and career. I write about his and other phil issue at my blog:
    reasoandmeaning.com

    JGM, PhD

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