Final answer:
Contemporary views on motherhood encompass the belief that mothers are caregivers, face criticism regardless of employment status, are held to higher standards than fathers, and are expected to forgo personal goals for their children's sake.
Step-by-step explanation:
Contemporary society's views on motherhood are multifaceted and often conflicting. First, mothers are primarily viewed as caregivers which reflects the enduring stereotype of women being the main provider of emotional and physical care in the family. Second, mothers who work outside the home indeed face criticism for not being present enough for their children, while mothers who do not work outside the home also face scrutiny for not contributing to the family economically or for 'just' being housewives. This double standard demonstrates the impossible expectations placed on mothers in society.
Moreover, mothers are allowed, to some extent, to express negative feelings about motherhood, yet doing so can result in judgment or a lack of empathy because motherhood is often romanticized. Additionally, mothers often feel pressure to meet higher standards than fathers, showing an imbalance in parental expectations. Lastly, mothers are still often expected to forfeit personal goals and desires for the sake of their children, which shows the pervasive nature of self-sacrifice in the societal view of motherhood.
Historically, notions like 'maternal feminism' have attempted to navigate and challenge these conflicting expectations by advocating for mothers' active and informed participation outside the home. However, even today, the struggle to balance personal aspirations with societal expectations of motherhood remains a significant issue.