Meaning: The quote "Morality and its victim, the mother - what a terrible picture! Is there indeed anything more terrible, more criminal, than our glorified sacred function of motherhood?" by Emma Goldman, an activist, encapsulates a powerful critique of the societal expectations and constraints placed on women, particularly in the context of motherhood. Emma Goldman was a prominent anarchist and feminist thinker who advocated for women's rights, labor rights, and social justice. Her quote speaks to the complexities and challenges that women face within the framework of traditional notions of motherhood and morality.

In this quote, Emma Goldman points to the paradoxical nature of the societal construction of motherhood. While motherhood is often glorified and idealized as a sacred and noble role, Goldman suggests that it can also be a source of victimization and oppression for women. The expectations placed on mothers to adhere to moral standards and fulfill societal ideals of virtuous motherhood can be suffocating and oppressive. Goldman's use of the word "victim" in relation to motherhood highlights the ways in which women can be constrained and limited by the expectations and moral standards imposed upon them.

Goldman's critique of the "glorified sacred function of motherhood" challenges the romanticized and idealized image of motherhood perpetuated by societal norms. She questions the notion that motherhood should be inherently virtuous and self-sacrificing, pointing to the ways in which these expectations can be damaging to women. By framing motherhood as a "terrible picture" and questioning its glorification, Goldman exposes the darker, less-discussed aspects of the maternal experience.

Furthermore, the quote alludes to the criminalization of deviating from societal norms and expectations surrounding motherhood. Women who do not conform to the prescribed ideals of motherhood may face judgment, condemnation, and even legal repercussions. The pressure to uphold moral standards in the context of motherhood can create a coercive environment that limits women's autonomy and agency. Goldman's use of the word "criminal" underscores the punitive and unjust consequences that women may face when they challenge or resist traditional maternal roles.

Goldman's perspective on motherhood reflects her broader critique of the patriarchal and capitalist structures that perpetuate gender inequality and oppression. She believed that women should have the freedom to define their own lives and identities beyond the narrow constraints of traditional gender roles. By interrogating the intersection of morality and motherhood, Goldman sheds light on the systemic injustices that women confront within the family, the workplace, and society at large.

Overall, Emma Goldman's quote serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and challenges embedded within the societal construction of motherhood. It invites us to critically examine the ways in which traditional moral expectations and gendered roles can constrain and harm women. Goldman's advocacy for women's autonomy and liberation continues to resonate in contemporary discussions about feminism, motherhood, and social justice.