The experience of motherhood within the Orthodox Jewish community

This qualitative study explores the phenomenological expectations and lived experiences of motherhood within north-west London’s Orthodox Jewish community. Using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis, semi-structured interviews were conducted amongst seven mothers, each with three or more children, the youngest being over the age of one. All participants were religious Orthodox Jews and had been married in accordance with Jewish law. Existing research into this ethnic and religious minority is scarce. The literature review explores the notion of motherhood and how it is relevant to the Orthodox Jewish community, while Jewish literature was explored to illuminate the importance of motherhood within this culture. Following the interviews, the seven stages of analysis were conducted. Results indicated that mothers from this demographic value their motherhood intensely as a fundamental aspect of their being. Three GETS were identified: the spiritual calling of motherhood, the perception of mothers within the community, and the illusion of choice. These are all discussed at length along with the seven subthemes elicited. The meaning of motherhood and its importance within the community is explored as well as its impact on the participants. Agency and ambivalence were noticed within the concept of motherhood, serving as an underlying principle within the community. This study notes the importance of acknowledging cultural and religious norms in a minority demographic.