‘Maternal Instinct’ Is Socially Constructed ‘Myth,’ Arizona State University Professor Declares

Professor Lela Rankin

The “maternal instinct” is a socially constructed “myth” rather than an innate biological trait, Arizona State University Professor Lela Rankin said at an on-campus event Thursday.

At the event, titled “Dismantling the Maternal Instinct,” she criticized the “myth” for enforcing “gendered” caregiving roles and contributing to an unequal burden placed on women in family structures.

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