Last week a new study found that the principles of attachment parenting are more popular with feminists than with other women. The study looked at the attitudes of four groups of women towards various parenting practices. The four groups examined were:
Non-feminist non-moms
Non-feminist moms
Feminist non-moms
Feminist moms
Among these groups, feminist moms were the most supportive of frequently carrying children (i.e. in a sling), co-sleeping, and extended breastfeeding, practices that are often associated with attachment parenting.
The results of the study weren't at all surprising to me or to Emma Waverman who first pointed me to the study. However, they may come as a surprise to those who pit feminism against attachment parenting, such as Hanna Rosin, Elisabeth Badinter, Erica Jong, and the New York Times. Based on my experience and knowledge, I can't help but think that their objections to attachment parenting are coming from a selfish place, rather than a feminist perspective. Or, at the very least, their objections to attachment parenting are rooted in a grave misunderstanding of either attachment parenting or feminism or both.
In fact, that misunderstanding may be shared by much of the world, since the study also found that non-feminists, especially non-feminist moms, assumed that feminists are less invested in their children and families.
The Western World As It Stands
The traditional Western world order, which still stands to some extent today, is a hierarchy.
God
Man
Woman
Child
Each person in the chain is subordinate to the one above. Man is subordinate to God (Christianity), woman is subordinate to man (patriarchy), child is subordinate to mother (traditional parenting). Order is maintained through this hierarchy. Power and control are asserted by dominating those below you and stepping on others as you scramble your way up the ladder.
Towards A New World Order: Humanism, Feminism, and Attachment Parenting
There are a lot of labels out there, some of which I'll reference in this post. As much as I support the philosophy behind these labels and appreciate the thought and writing that exists on them, I also respect and understand the desire to cast the labels aside. This isn't intended to be an exercise in labeling ourselves (I'm a feminist/I'm not a feminist, I practice attachment parenting/I don't practice attachment parenting, etc.), but more of a thought piece on common tenets in movements that seek to break down hierarchies.
-Continued-
Source: phdinparenting
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