Reimagining motherhood:Media narratives and gender dynamics in contemporary Kenyan magazines

Abstract

This study investigates the portrayal of motherhood in contemporary Kenyan media, focusing on how women's conventional roles within the family are depicted. Through critical discourse analysis (CDA), the research examines narratives from The Parents Magazine and True Love East Africa magazines, revealing how motherhood is framed as a natural and preferred life choice for women. The analysis uncovers the emotional and challenging aspects of motherhood, societal expectations, and the reinforcement of traditional gender norms. The study also highlights the evolving concept of millennial motherhood in Kenya, emphasising how modern Kenyan women navigate career and family challenges while defying traditional roles. Additionally, the study explores the construction of the ideal and authentic woman through media representations, challenging patriarchal structures and redefining gender roles, illustrating a shift towards a more liberated and self-sufficient model of motherhood. The findings underscore the complex power dynamics and persistent traditional norms that shape women's identities and social roles in contemporary Kenyan society.