Paper short abstract:

The paper analyses the relation between state-imposed mothering and the social practice of mothering in contemporary Poland. After the coalition of the right-wing and populist parties came into power in 2005 we observe an increasing backlash, an attack on the position of women in Polish society.

Paper long abstract:

The paper analyzes the relation between the state - imposed mothering discource and the social practice of mothering in contemporary Poland. After the coalition of the right - wing and populist parties came into power in the fall 2005 we can observe an increasing backlash - the attack on the position of women in Polish society. One of its strategies is the invention of compulsory motherhood. It is announced to be crucial for the well - being of Polish families and therefore Polish nation. On the other hand, for last 10 years we have been witnessing the emergence of a new discourse of mothering ( and parenting in general). In spite of conservative backlash, restrictive regulations concerning reproductive rights, sexual education or access to anticonceptives, the new generation of Polish parents has been working out new approches and practices of parenting (e.g. through national campaigns in mass media). Yet, this new discource of mothering "out of choice" and responsible parenting is limited mostly to the new, middle class of big cities.