Why we think Italian, Jewish, and Indian Mothers exemplify the Type 2

• Nurturing. Italian, Jewish, and Indian mothers are typically highly nurturing, often in an intense way, ensuring that their children are well-fed, well-cared-for, and emotionally supported. 

• Involved and hovering. Italian, Jewish, and Indian mothers are typically deeply engaged and very much “in the know” in their children's lives. This includes everything from their classwork to their college applications to their social activities to their romantic lives. 

• Sacrificial. In Jewish tradition, the matriarchs of the Old Testament are often viewed as models of sacrificial motherhood. Rebecca, for example, is seen as a mother who made significant personal sacrifices for the sake of her children’s future. This shows up in modern day as many Jewish mothers are known to put their careers on hold and dedicate tremendous time and energy to their kids, rather than focusing on personal achievements. Indian mothers are frequently expected to put the needs of their children above their own personal desires, ambitions, or comfort.  In many traditional Italian families, mothers put their own dreams and ambitions on hold to focus on raising their children and supporting their husband's career. 

• Anxious and overdoing it. Indian, Jewish, and Italian mothers often embody a mix of anxiety and an overzealous desire to ensure their children's well-being. This can manifest as a constant worry about their children's health, safety, and success, leading to an abundance of advice, reminders, and interventions. While this intense care is rooted in love and can be very sweet, it can feel overwhelming and overbearing.

These descriptions are true of mothers of other cultures and mothers at large in many ways. The three cultures that we selected are particularly iconic and clear. It's important to note that these descriptions do not represent all Italian, Jewish, and Indian mothers.