The image of motherhood as a socio-cultural phenomenon: a qualitative-quantitative study of Maya Angelou’s works

• Gulsaira Ibraimova Profesor Asociado de la Universidad Estatal Kirguisa que lleva el nombre de I. Arabaev, Bishkek, República Kirguisa. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9458-2181
• Kanykei Kalieva Profesor asociado de la Universidad Kirguiso-Turca de Manas, Bishkek, República Kirguisa. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4121-3163
• Makhabat Alishova Profesor asociado en la Universidad Estatal de Bishkek que lleva el nombre de K. Karasaev, Bishkek, República Kirguisa. https://orcid.org/0009-0008-6174-9839
• Zhyldyz Chymanova Profesor titular de la Universidad kirguiso-turca de Manas, Bishkek, República Kirguisa. https://orcid.org/0009-0000-6336-1952
• Aiida Asylbekova Profesor titular de la Universidad kirguiso-turca de Manas, Bishkek, República Kirguisa. https://orcid.org/0009-0005-0320-5057

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15080651

Keywords: poetry, representation of women, image of mother, Maya Angelou, mothering

Abstract

Maya Angelou’s poetry engages with themes of identity, resilience, and the struggles women face, with an emphasis on the image of the mother. This paper explores the representation of mothers in Angelou’s poetic works, focusing on their roles as symbols of cultural identity, and embodiments of emotional and spiritual strength. Through a thematic critical approach, this study examines how Angelou intertwines personal experiences with collective memory to depict the figure of the mother in a way that transcends traditional notions, weaving in broader socio-cultural reflections on motherhood. Using a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, the paper analyzes the prevalence of female figures, particularly mothers, in Angelou’s “The Complete Collected Poems” (1994), categorizing their portrayal across various dimensions such as love, sacrifice, racial oppression, and cultural pride. Ultimately, this study highlights the centrality of motherhood in Angelou’s exploration of woman hood, offering a deeper understanding of her literary contributions to feminist and African American literary traditions.

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