Final answer:
The exact reasons why Mongolian children weaned according to the mothers the author knew are not provided in the given information. However, traditional roles of Mongol women and the nomadic lifestyle likely influenced child-rearing practices, including weaning. Women's empowerment through 'maternal feminism' could also have had an impact.
Step-by-step explanation:
The information provided does not directly answer the question about why Mongolian children weaned according to the mothers the author knew. However, based on historical context, we can infer that traditional practices and societal changes influenced child-rearing decisions. Historically, Mongol women played significant roles in their society, managing households and making key decisions while men were away.
In the context of a nomadic lifestyle where families were involved in livestock herding and faced different constraints compared to agricultural societies, child-rearing practices would have been adapted to meet these needs. Additionally, the idea of 'maternal feminism' implies the empowerment and active role of women in society, which may have influenced how and when children were weaned. Mothers might have weaned children when they felt it was appropriate for the child's development or the family's circumstances, considering their important role within the family and their participation in societal decision-making.