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 suppression Join us on the Scenic Route. New episode drops Tuesday. _____________________________________________________________________ Visit jenniferwalter.me – your cosy corner where recovering perfectionists, misfits, and those done pretending to be fine find space to breathe, dream, and create real change." 💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Follow on Threads 🔮 DAILY DOSE OF CHILL The Scenic Route Affirmation Card Deck is your online permission slip to trust your inner compass again. What does your card say? Share it with us! 👉 Pull Your Free Card ⭐ LOVE THE SHOW? Leave a rating and review. Your words help other wandering souls discover the Scenic Route podcast.