Escaping the Dollhouse: Maternal Identity from A Doll’s House to Digital Motherhood

Abstract

This study examines the evolving expectations of motherhood by drawing parallels between A Doll’s House and contemporary digital parenting culture. Through a feminist literary and sociological lens, the research explores how maternal identity remains constrained by societal, economic, and digital forces, despite historical advancements in gender equality. A qualitative comparative analysis is employed, integrating feminist literary criticism, sociological research, and digital media studies. The study critically examines Henrik Ibsen’s portrayal of maternal expectations and contrasts it with modern “momfluencer” culture, where maternal labor is performed, monetized, and scrutinized in digital spaces. Findings reveal that while the mediums of maternal performance have shifted—from Victorian domestic ideals to social media branding—the fundamental expectations of self-sacrificial motherhood persist. Economic dependence, emotional labor, and gendered double standards continue to shape maternal experiences, reinforcing unrealistic standards of perfection. However, emerging forms of feminist maternal activism and digital resistance offer pathways for redefining motherhood beyond traditional constraints. Ultimately, this study argues that maternal autonomy remains an ongoing struggle, as societal pressures evolve rather than disappear. By critically engaging with historical and modern representations of motherhood, the research underscores the need for continued examination and resistance against restrictive maternal ideals.