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Title Self-Silencing: A Psychosocial Study of the Experiences of Diasporic Protagonists in the Selected Works

Author(s) MAH E LAQA AFRIDI

Abstract This study examines the psychological and social struggles of diasporic mothers in Little Bandaged Days (2020) by Kyra Wilder and The School for Good Mothers (2021) by Jessamine Chan. It explores how self-silencing, mental instability, and strained relationships with family and society shape their experiences. The research highlights the pressures placed on mothers, particularly in diasporic contexts, where cultural displacement and isolation amplify emotional distress. Drawing on Dana Crowley Jack’s Self-Silencing Theory (2010), the study investigates how women, in their efforts to meet societal expectations, often suppress their emotions and sacrifice their individuality. This internalized pressure leads to psychological struggles such as anxiety, depression, and a loss of self-identity. The notion of the "ideal mother" reinforces emotional restraint, affecting mother’s mental well-being and social relationships. In the selected novels, motherhood is portrayed as a complex and demanding transition rather than an instinctive or purely joyful experience. Societal norms and cultural ideals impose unrealistic expectations, worsening the struggles of diasporic mothers who already face alienation and inadequate support. The study critiques how family dynamics, marital relationships, and institutional systems often fail to provide meaningful assistance, deepening their sense of isolation. Beyond individual experiences, this study highlights the broader impact of self-silencing on social structures and generational patterns. It advocates for rethinking gender norms and promoting a more inclusive, realistic portrayal of motherhood. Ultimately, it calls for greater awareness, systemic change, and emotional support to empower women, allowing them to reclaim their voices and identities.

Type Thesis/Dissertation

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Department English

Language English

Publication Date 2025-04-16

Subject English Literature

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