The Systemic Erasure of Women: Unpacking the Structural Causes of Missing Mothers
Original framing: “[Comment] Offline: The scandal of missing mothers” — The Lancet
The original framing omits the historical context of colonialism and imperialism, which have contributed to the erasure of women's lives and contributions. It also neglects the perspectives of indigenous cultures, which have long valued the importance of women's roles in society. Furthermore, the narrative fails to address the structural causes of gender inequality, such as the undervaluing of women's labor and the lack of representation in decision-making positions.
Medium structural omission detected in mainstream coverage.
The narrative of missing mothers is produced by a coalition of economists, policymakers, and media outlets that prioritize human development as a means to economic growth. This framing serves to obscure the role of patriarchal power structures and the historical roots of gender inequality, while amplifying the voices of those who benefit from the status quo. The Lancet's coverage of this issue is a prime example of how power knowledge is used to shape public discourse.
The phenomenon of missing mothers is rooted in historical patterns of colonialism and imperialism, which have contributed to the erasure of women's lives and contributions. The undervaluing of women's labor and the lack of representation in decision-making positions are also historical legacies that continue to shape our world today.
The phenomenon of missing mothers is a symptom of a broader structural issue: the pervasive undervaluing of women's lives and contributions in global affairs.