Elinor Cleghorn – A Woman’s Work: Reclaiming the Radical History of Mothering

Join acclaimed writer and cultural historian Elinor Cleghorn, bestselling author of Unwell Women, in conversation with Claire Kehily for a fascinating journey through the hidden history of motherhood.

In her powerful new book, A Woman's Work: Reclaiming the Radical History of Mothering, Elinor uncovers the extraordinary stories of mothers, midwives, activists and community leaders whose courage and determination shaped society, yet whose contributions have too often been overlooked. From the stigmatisation of single mothers in 17th century England to the post-war myth of the perfectly contented housewife, A Woman's Work is a radical and inspiring new history of mothering, highlighting a range of women who have fought for respect, rights and reproductive freedom throughout history.

Blending meticulous research with compelling storytelling, Elinor brings these remarkable women vividly to life, challenging long-held assumptions about the past and revealing why their stories matter more than ever.

Join Elinor and Claire Kehily for a thought-provoking conversation about forgotten histories and the women who helped change the world.

ELINOR CLEGHORN is a feminist cultural historian, writer, and researcher living in Sussex. After receiving her PhD in humanities and cultural studies in 2012, she worked for three years as a postdoctoral researcher at the Ruskin School of Art at the University of Oxford on an interdisciplinary arts and medical humanities project. Her writing on women’s health and its histories has been published in The Wall Street Journal, BBC History, BBC Science Focus, New Scientist, and Vogue, and she has discussed her research on BBC’s Woman’s Hour, NPR, and numerous podcasts. Elinor is the author of Unwell Women, which has been translated across the world.

Photo credit Lara Downie