The cultural capital of motherhood and the values of family upbringing: a comparative analysis

Abstract

Modern society's living conditions actualize the importance of cultivating in children certain qualities which contribute to a person's active social adaptation and the accumulation of cultural capital. This article undertakes a comparative analysis of a certain complex of economic, cultural and psychological resources attributed to mothers from three groups, each focused on different dominating values when it comes to the upbringing of their children (obedience “O”, curiosity “C”, sociability “S”).The mothers' cultural resources were viewed as a set which includes educational and cultural competencies, knowledge of cultural practices, proficiency in foreign languages, computer knowledge, modern practices of self-education, interest in music, theater and painting, as well as creative activities. The structure of cultural resources of motherhood is complemented by expressive and instrumental personal traits which contribute to women's involvement in their roles as parents, as well as to them finding a balance between their professional and family responsibilities. It has been observed that when mothers are endowed with unequal resources — this has an impact on cultivating in children certain values which contribute to successful adaptation in a complicated society.We have reached a conclusion that mothers focused on values such as sociability and curiosity have stronger cultural capital, which allows for them to cultivate in their children those qualities which contribute to successful adaptation in a complex society, as compared to those mothers who value obedience.During the course of the study it was determined that a high level of education among parents, family well-being, emotional support and strong intergenerational relations contribute to accumulating the cultural resources of motherhood. At the same time, improving material conditions of life, as well as reducing professional workload, does not always have a direct positive effect on mothers' cultural capital. Motivational factors play a significant role — namely, the mother's need for personal growth, as well as further developing educational competence.