The Association for Research on Mothering (ARM) and Mamapalooza are once again celebrating mothers and Mother’s Day with their third annual conference in New York City, Representing Motherhood: Mothers in the Arts, Literature, Media & Popular Culture, from May 20 to 22, 2010.
Meredith Michaels, co-author of The Mommy Myth (Free Press, 2004) and a philosophy professor at Smith College in the United States, will deliver the keynote address. Michaels’ research and writing focuses on the way that cultural changes affect people's understanding of reproduction, parenthood and childhood.
The deadline to submit papers for the conference is fast approaching. Those wishing to present, including scholars, students, activists, artists, community agencies, service providers, journalists and mothers who work or conduct research in this area, need to submit their proposals by Jan. 5, 2010.
Right: Meredith Michaels
Cross-cultural, historical, as well as comparative work is encouraged and can include academic papers from all disciplines, workshops, creative submissions, performances, storytelling, visual arts and other alternative formats.
Topics can include, but are not limited to, representing the maternal in film, video, art, music and theatre; theorizing motherhood and representation; race; maternal ambivalence in visual culture; countering media discourses on motherhood; maternal loss, depression and domestic violence; and motherhood, art and creativity. For a complete list of topic ideas, click here.
Send a 250-word presentation abstract, including teh title and a 50-word bio to arm@yorku.ca by Jan. 5, 2010. Presenters must be members of ARM. To join, visit the ARM membership Web site.
Mamapalooza Inc. is dedicated to connecting mothers through music, art, activism and education for cultural, economic and social awareness. It serves as a resource for mothers seeking support, awareness and education in the arts, entrepreneurship and areas of mental and physical health.
Founded in 1998, ARM is the first and only organization doing international feminist research devoted specifically to the topic of mothering and motherhood. Its mandate is to provide a forum for the discussion and dissemination of research on motherhood and to establish a community of individuals and institutions working and researching in the area of mothering and motherhood. ARM houses the Journal of the Association for Research on Mothering.
For more information, visit the ARM Web site.