Gender & cultural change

Journalism: Opinion & Articles

Mothers on the tenure track

The Mothers Movement Online

I loved The Nanny Diaries, the 2002 bestseller by a pair of former nannies who served up a merciless satire of the overly moneyed in Manhattan, their neglected children and their exploitive ways with the domestic help. Part comedy, part class commentary, the novel was a good laugh, and I expect I'll enjoy the movie version that opened on Friday every bit as much.   But as a working mother, I can't help noting how little the story has to do with reality—either with the situation of parents like me, who depend on nannies and babysitters to care for our children, or with the lives of most women who work as caregivers.

Topics: Gender & cultural change, Higher education & teaching, Motherhood & parenting, Work & caregiving

Creative Nonfiction: Essays

Dressing Up

Minerva Rising

I grew up in a time and a place where it was quite clear what girl and woman meant. I chafed at some of these expectations and met others. Most of all, I wanted to be pretty and smart, capable and adored. I liked dressing up, which my parents expected me to do for special occasions. Some dresses I loved. Others left me feeling torn.

Topics: Gender & cultural change, Motherhood & parenting, Trans kids