Nancy Chodorow

Definition

Nancy Chodorow is a feminist sociologist and psychoanalyst who proposed theories on the reproduction of mothering and gender development, emphasizing the importance of early relationships with mothers.

Related terms

Object Relations Theory: This psychological theory suggests that the way people relate to others and situations in their adult lives is shaped by family experiences during infancy.

Reproduction of Mothering: This is Chodorow's theory suggesting that women tend to replicate the caring behaviors they experienced from their own mothers in their roles as mothers.

Gender Identity:

This term refers to one's innermost concept of self as male or female or both or neither—how individuals perceive themselves and what they call themselves.