The Conflict: Woman And Mother

IF philosopher Elisabeth Badinter was a Dawson's Creek fan, one could imagine her disdain at Michelle Williams' speech at the Golden Globes.

IN the highly unlikely event French philosopher and best-selling author Elisabeth Badinter was a fan of teen drama Dawson's Creek, one could only imagine her disdainat American actress Michelle Williams' acceptance speech during this week's Golden Globes.

"I consider myself a mother first and an actress second,'' the now grown-up Dawson's star simpered in what was surely the most unnecessary statement of the night.

After all, it's not as though fellow-winner Meryl Streep felt the need to declare "I consider myself an actress first and don't give a fig about my kids''.

Williams' attempt to downplay her professional ambition and success during a pivotal moment of her career only affirms the theme of Badinter's controversial yet often convincing book. The pull-no-punches feminist claims today's mothers are losing their identity as individuals - and employees - in their slavish devotion to the ideals of motherhood.

With infant formula and store-bought baby food increasingly frowned upon in parenting circles, Badinter argues the trend towards old-fashioned and "natural'' child-rearing forces women to surrender all else to become so-called perfect mothers. But mums, our feisty author claims, should strive to be women first and mothers second.

While heavy-handed at times - dads don't get much of a look in and the you-have-to-be-there joys of parenthood go unacknowledged - this is an engaging read. In an era of narcissistic hand-wringing and earnest preaching over parenting, The Conflict offers a refreshing, if challenging, new perspective.
Sarrah Le Marquand

VERDICT: Polarising yet thought-provoking

The Conflict: Woman And Mother, Elisabeth Badinter, The Text Publishing Company, $24.95