The World War II Patriotic Mother

Authors

Ana C. Garner, Marquette UniversityFollow
Karen L. Slattery, Marquette UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Language

eng

Format of Original

14 p.

Publication Date

4-2010

Publisher

Taylor & Francis

Source Publication

Journalism Studies

Source ISSN

1461-670X

Original Item ID

doi: 10.1080/02615470903217329

Abstract

The archetypal good mother and the archetypal patriotic mother are important symbols in American culture. Both are rooted in maternal work but are separated by two conflicting assumptions. The good mother nurtures her children and protects them from harm, while the patriotic wartime mother remains silent when the government sends her child directly into harm's way. This study explores how the World War II press positioned mothers of soldiers to sacrifice their children in support of the nation's war effort. The findings point to the importance of understanding the role of archetypes in news narratives.

Comments

Accepted version. Journalism Studies, Vol. 11, No. 2 (April 2010): 143-157. DOI. © 2010 Taylor & Francis (Routledge). Used with permission.

Recommended Citation

Garner, Ana C. and Slattery, Karen L., "The World War II Patriotic Mother" (2010). College of Communication Faculty Research and Publications. 165.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/comm_fac/165