Dojemanje materinstva in starševstva skozi čas ‒ preliminarna študija

The paper presents a theoretical overview and analysis of the current understanding of the concept of motherhood and related facts. Besides, it presents the results of a research obtained through a questionnaire designed and administered for this purpose. A theoretical overview of the perception and experience of femininity and motherhood in history is given in the introduction. Further, the role of motherhood and parenting is defined and an attempt is made to under- stand in what direction motherhood will develop in the future. The empirical part shows the ideas of young people (students) on motherhood, their opinion on the current situation and the role of women and mothers in relation to the maternal myth.\udThe survey, conducted in 2012, included 100 full-time students (N = 100), 50 male (50%) and 50 female (50%), from four faculties of the University of Ljubljana. Statistically significant differences have been found in their views on the future of maternity. Most male students (60.0%) believe that in the future mothers will be more focused on their careers and less on their families, whereas fewer female students share this view (38.0%). The survey made it evident that yo- ung people are aware of the changes occurring over time, although the traditional view of the role of motherhood and the family is still predominant. The results also show that the respondents are aware of the need for gender equality and equal division of family roles between men and women. Our research revealed that women are more aware of this than men