UCL200 archival voices live: Becoming a mother, then and now

The evening opens with a screening of a 1978 archival broadcast from Thames Television, featuring Oakley and two first-time mothers reflecting on their experiences of becoming a mother.

Decades later, they reunite – now in their 70s and 80s – for a live panel conversation, offering a unique opportunity to hear how motherhood has shaped their lives over the past 50 years.

Joined by Charlotte Faircloth, co-lead of the contemporary ‘50 Years of Becoming a Mother’ study, the discussion will explore what has changed – and what hasn’t – in parenting across generations.

The event concludes with an audience Q&A.

This event will be particularly useful for grandmothers, mothers, daughters, midwives and other healthcare professionals, researchers and policy makers interested in women’s health and experiences of motherhood.

Speakers

Professor Ann Oakley will be in conversation with two mothers who participated in her ground breaking 1970s study into ‘Becoming a Mother’.

This conversation will be chaired by Professor Charlotte Faircloth, Co-PI on the current ‘50 Years of Becoming a Mother’ study, funded by the UKRI.

Related links

• Thomas Coram Research Unit (TCRU)
• Social Science Research Unit (SSRU)
• UCL Social Research Institute

Image

Ann Oakley in conversation with the presenter of After Noon, Mavis Nicholson. Courtesy of Fremantle.