Smiles and Sacrifices: The Modern Motherhood Performance

Why are women punished for being honest about motherhood?When Chappell Roan said her friends with kids are “in hell,” the backlash wasn’t about the words but about breaking the performance. In this episode of Scenic Route, sociologist and coach Jennifer Walter unpacks the emotional labour, mental load, and societal expectations that define modern motherhood.Why do we praise men like Seth Rogen for opting out of parenthood while vilifying women who name the cost of caregiving? Why do tradwife aesthetics trend while actual support for mothers disappears?This episode explores:The mental load and invisible labour that mothers carryWhy motherhood is a performance, not just an experienceThe backlash against Chappell Roan and what it revealsAdrienne Rich on motherhood as institution vs. experienceErving Goffman’s theory of social roles and the "good mother" maskThe rise of the trad wife movement and its political implicationsWhy unpaid care work is central to the global economy—and still invisibleThe cost of honesty in a culture built on maternal silence🎧 With insights on:Call Her Daddy and Chappell Roan's viral statementThe cultural double standard around parenting and genderHow systems maintain control through emotional suppressionJoin us on the Scenic Route.New episode drops Tuesday.Send me a DMSupport the show_____________________________________________________________________🔮 DAILY DOSE OF WOO The free Scenic Route Affirmation Card Deck is your online invitation to trust your inner voice again. What does your card say? 👉 Pull your daily affirmationCrave something Soft?Sign up for Soft — one gentle email each month to help you ground before everything speeds up again, complete with the meme de jour and a roundup of my favourite things.⭐ LOVE THE SHOW?If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating and review. It helps other midlife women find their way to the Scenic Route podcast.