At that time, “a whole generation of girls seemed to turn their backs on motherhood. There was a break in female cultural trends,” says Yvonne Knibiehler.
In the 20th century, traditional representations of motherhood were eradicated. From a group role which united a community of women, the concept of motherhood was freed and became an individual task. It was a “choice” and “invested in” by each woman out of a real desire for motherhood.
However, the concept of a “good mother” remains: respect for equality guidelines, traditional mothering, breastfeeding, etc.. Every female choice is thus analyzed in terms of a history ambivalent of motherhood, between submission and freedom.