Carol: Moms – Is It Possible to “Have It All”? What Does That Even Mean?
As regular readers of “On the Culture” know, I’m a mom and a wife, and also a writer, trained as a lawyer, occasionally a guest-radio-talk-show host, blah, blah, blah.
Since last spring, I have been trying to put together a book proposal on “work, marriage, motherhood and the quest to ‘have it all’” — whatever that means! Given my interest in this topic, I was intrigued to read Anne Marie Slaughter’s piece over the summer in “The Atlantic,” provocatively titled “Why Women Still Can’t Have It All.” Unlike Professor Slaughter, however, I am also interested in the real life stories of real women, who aren’t deputy-secretaries-of-state and Princeton professors.
That’s why I am asking for your help. I have posted a questionnaire, and I would be grateful if you would take a few minutes to fill it out. All names and any identifying information will be kept confidential.
Last summer, filling in for Hugh Hewitt, I asked female listeners to help — and they were wonderful! I have gotten some amazing stories, including one woman who even had an abortion in an effort to make it all “work.” But what has been the most wonderful discovery for me is the power and immediacy of many of the accounts from women who thought they were “ordinary” or their stories were “boring.”
If I’ve learned anything, it’s that all of us have a story — and your insights and stories are inspring, gut-wrenching, and fascinating (even when you may think they’re not!). Please, please share yours with me, whatever your perspective!!!
