This master's thesis explores the concept of emotional labor in the context of modern motherhood, focusing on how societal expectations regarding the internalization of the "perfect mother" ideal shape mothers' everyday experiences and emotional well-being. Emotional labor related to motherhood encompasses the management of emotions, which is often invisible and demanding. Mothers may experience positive, negative, or ambivalent emotions. The idealized image of mothers as always available, patient, and unconditionally devoted creates intense pressures that can lead to feelings of guilt, exhaustion, and self-doubt. While motherhood is often associated with happiness, unconditional love, joy, and fulfillment, in reality, it also brings uncertainty and feelings of inadequacy. I was particularly interested in how mothers perceive and navigate this emotional burden in accordance with societal expectations and emotional norms tied to the maternal role. Based on theoretical foundations, the empirical part of the thesis employs a qualitative method – a semi-structured interview – to examine the impact of contemporary intensive motherhood ideology on mothers' emotional experiences, their strategies for coping with the pressures of meeting ideal motherhood standards, and their approaches to managing socially undesirable emotions. The results indicate that motherhood integrates both rewarding and challenging aspects, with maternal ambivalence fostering deeper understanding of the child and self-reflection. A critical assessment of social norms allows for a more realistic perspective on motherhood, making it easier to confront its challenges.
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