Part 4/11:
The narrative takes a darker turn when examining how children are often utilized in gendered power plays. Motherhood, initially seen as a nurturing and loving role, is criticized as a means of material security. The argument posits that women may deliberately conceive multiple children to minimize their financial risks in old age, especially in the context of divorce or separation.
Furthermore, the destructive parenting style—characterized by emotional blackmail, favoritism, and fostering competition among siblings—reflects lazy and manipulative parenting practices that prioritize gain over genuine affection. The children’s constant fear of losing maternal approval fuels rivalry and teaches them to compete, ultimately embedding transactional notions of love and affection early on in life.