Constructing the (M)other: Narratives of Disability, Motherhood, and the Politics of «Normal»

“This stunning collection of mother narratives illuminates the intimate space where motherhood, disability, and society intersect. Lalvani has drawn together oft-untold stories from culturally diverse mothers of children with disabilities who share what it means to negotiate shifting and complex cultural constructions of motherhood outside the socially-defined ideal. Constructing the (M)other is a fresh and significant contribution to a disability studies perspective on mothers and children with disabilities and a must-read for all educators committed to meaningful parent-professional partnerships.”—Jan Valle, Professor of Inclusive Education and Disability Studies, City College of New York

“Priya Lalvani has curated a gift—a critical carnival of stories. In Constructing the (M)other we meet women weaving lives that blend joy and imagination, battling the ideological syrup of pity/grief/loss, seeking spaces for full recognition of complex, gorgeous, and sometimes struggling children, in a society drunk on fantasies of normal. Lalvani is a brilliant writer who holds together this book where soul-ful and truths-ful women across race/ethnicity/class/language/education/nations, and children with a sparkling range of abilities and needs, animate the pages. This volume is a mirror, a speak back, truth in a post-truth society, a protest, and a celebration. Grab a glass of wine and climb in. I promise you won't want to leave until you get to the most delicious epilogue, that lingers in every cell of my body.”—Michelle Fine, Distinguished Professor of Critical Psychology, Gender/Women's Studies and Urban Education, The Graduate Center, CUNY