From the Joys of Motherhood to The Color Purple - How Motherhood is Portrayed in Black Womens - Literature review Example

It is important to define the scope of the investigation to clearly demonstrate what must be included in this research project in order to systematically outline the data collection requirements to ensure the research process investigates the essential questions that need to be answered in the project, as well as ensure the scope of the research has been limited and excludes unnecessary research. Data collection will include academic journals and books using peer-reviewed journals where possible.

All sources will be reviewed to ensure accuracy and integrity of selected sources. The problem being investigated in this project is defining the role of motherhood in African American literature. The essential questions being examined are what is the definition of motherhood, who defines that term and how does the role of motherhood fit into the gender identity of African American women as depicted in the literature. This essay will investigate African American female history from the period when slavery ended to through the time period in which The Color Purple and The Joys of Motherhood were written.

This time period has been selected as it is not just essential to understand the role of women at the time in which the works were written, but the significance of how that role has been defined for women from their role in the family to their role in society. The second part of the investigation will review the role of motherhood and the psychological perspectives of the mother child bond and how women relate to their role of motherhood and in what ways being a mother helps define their womanhood.

In addition, this aspect of the review will examine the desire women have to sketch a new gender identity beyond the traditional role of mother and wife and what impact that has on their psyche and how the male oppressors have added to this struggle.