Wall Between Women

By Beth Brykman

Women today struggle to make difficult choices involving their children and their careers - so why do they simultaneously criticize, undermine, and point fingers at one another? Beth Brykman taps her personal experience as well as her professional marketing skills in crafting this well-researched look at the life-transforming issue that American mothers face. Having been both a full-time employed mother and a stay-at-home mom, Brykman interviewed more than one hundred mothers. She lets these women speak for themselves about the reality of their lives, their views of the "other" mother, and how they balance the pros and cons of motherhood.Separate chapters examine the factors that create the wall between women, stereotypes of mothers on both sides of the wall, the lives and attitudes of full-time employed mothers versus mothers who choose to stay at home, working part-time, the reality of daycare, how different women determined what was right for them and their families, coparenting and suggestions for modifying marriages, and letting go of the emotional baggage of success and guilt, including suggestions for broad cultural change.An appendix details her research methods, including questions she posed to each mother, and a useful bibliography that points readers to other resources.Filled with revealing quotations and stories from mothers themselves, this insightful discussion of contemporary motherhood reveals the many challenges facing women and offers creative solutions for overcoming those challenges.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1591023947
• ISBN13: 9781591023944
• Release Date: March 2006
• Publisher: Prometheus Books
• Length: 191 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Let's put an end to the Mommy Wars

Nothing annoys me more than the media-instigated "Mommy Wars." Especially when the books berating working moms, are written by individuals who have a nanny and other household help and are busy travelling the talk show circuit) But, one thing I found interesting in this book was hearing from the stay at home moms how difficult it is for them, too. While I thought myself open-minded on this issue, it was the first time I ever really emphasized with stay at home moms; and felt guilty about some unintential slights that I likely had done over the years. Recommended for anyone whose on the fence and interested in hearing different viewpoints from those in the front lines of the "Mommy Wars."

Pros and cons of motherhood and work are revealed

THE WALL BETWEEN WOMEN: THE CONFLICT BETWEEN STAY-AT-HOME AND EMPLOYED MOTHERS blends the author's personal experience and professional marketing skills with research into the issues faced by American mothers. She's been both a full-time worker and a stay-at-home mom, and interviews over a hundred such women about the realities of their lives and their perceptions of women who have made different choices. Pros and cons of motherhood and work are revealed along with quotes and stories from women across the country. Diane C. Donovan California Bookwatch

New moms need this book!

"The Wall Between Women" is a great read for new moms who may not have faced the wall, yet, but will because author Beth Brykman leaves no doubt that it is still as strong as it ever was! Brykman's articulate, coast-to-coast research gives all women validation of their own experience as full-time career, working part-time, or full-time at-home moms. As women, we learn so much from one another, particularly when it comes to the critical choices affecting our children and our professions. This book's tell-it-like-it-is narratives will clue a new mom into other women's experiences, gaining valuable insight into making her own working/mothering choices. Actually, all women could learn a lot from this book in terms of being be more understanding and supportive of friends and colleagues whose choices differ from their own.

The Wall Does Exist

I agree there is a wall of varying height depending on a lot of culutural and environmental factors. The point is by understanding its existance, and its ramifications, most moms will feel better about their own choice and that of others.

Important Book

I want to discuss this book with all of my friends! I have personally hit the Wall myself and would love to see it torn down. This book is a good step in that direction.