Germany

Pre- and Post-Reunification

Mothers in the former GDR were fully integrated into the workforce, giving them financial independence from their spouses. At the same time, government family policies tried to promote the ideal family image of three children via financial incentives. Being a mother and a career woman was socially accepted and well supported; for example, with childcare centers. The family politics of the former FRG also promoted a patriarchal family image. Employment of mothers was considered to be a conflict of their duty within the family. The value of giving birth was later recognized through ad campaigns and government-assisted programs, such as maternity leave. Since reunification, new mothers have available to them a similar government support structure. However, many women who became mothers under the GDR and FRG still feel the effects of the differences between these former political systems.

The Kindergarten Movement

German educator Friedrich Froebel (1782–1852) founded the Kindergarten in the 1830s, an institution for the education of preschool children by means of play and guided activities. The term signifies both a garden “for” children, a place where they can observe and interact with nature; and also a garden “of” children, where they themselves can grow and develop free from arbitrary political and social imperatives. Children play with toys for sedentary creative play and engage in games and dances for healthy activity. This institution allows mothers to drop off their children for education and play, so they can pursue a career. The Kindergarten model of preschool education has been practiced throughout the world since the end of the 19th century.

Fertility and Abortion

The overall birth rate in Germany has been declining for the past four decades, and in 2007 was the lowest in Europe. Several factors contribute to this low fertility rate: the political taint and correlation of motherhood with fascism, lengthy education times, consumerism, and the fear of an uncertain future. In addition, German women have had access to an array of birth control methods, which have allowed them to postpone or opt out of motherhood. Through various policies, such as the child benefit plan, the government attempts to encourage women to have more children.

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