The Juggling Mother with Dr. Amanda Watson

In this episode, I’m talking with Amanda Watson, author of The Juggling Mother.  Amanda provides her expertise as a Lecturer of Sociology and Anthropology at Simon Fraser University and from her extensive research examining media representation of work, reproduction, and care. Her book, The Juggling Mother: Coming Undone in the Age of Anxiety makes a controversial case that mothers who appear to be frantically juggling paid and unpaid work perpetuate established social inequities of race, gender, class, and ability—even as they take on stigma and an unfair share of the load. ⁠It is my hope, that my conversation with Amanda offers a sense of relief and common understanding on how we can begin to dismantle the term ‘The Juggling Mother’ or perhaps embrace it and create new strategies to gain more support and understanding – especially as we move through the second year of the pandemic.

SHOW NOTES 

In this episode of The Motherhood Redefined Podcast, you will learn: 

• Who is The Juggling Mother? 
• How the pandemic has elevated even more anxiety, burnout and exhaustion for the Juggling Mother.
• What is the ‘invisible load’ and what are some strategies to ease feelings of overwhelm within our own household and with our partners.
• What are the social inequalities of race, gender, class and ability — how can we as a community and “The Juggling Mother” give back?   

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About Amanda Watson

Dr. Amanda D. Watson is a Lecturer in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Simon Fraser University. Her research examines media representation of work, reproduction, and care. Dr. Watson’s latest book, The Juggling Mother: Coming Undone in the Age of Anxiety, makes the controversial case that mothers who appear to be frantically juggling paid and unpaid work perpetuate established social inequities of race, gender, class, and ability—even as they take on stigma and an unfair share of the load. Dr. Watson lives in East Vancouver with her partner, two kids, and two pups. 
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Where to find Amanda:

You can find her book at ubcpress.ca and join her conversation at #thejugglingmother or @spindrwatson.