Number: MA/25/F2/0/026

Flagship: 2 - Europeanness: multilingualism, pluralities, citizenship

Faculty: FF

Project leader: Štefková, Zuzana

This project advances and promotes the study of mothering as a sociopolitical, cultural and psychological practice, continuing a collaboration launched in 2020 within the Research and Education in Maternal Studies (REMS) network. Founded by scholars from Charles University, the University of Warsaw and Heidelberg University, the network views mothering as a principle of sociality grounded in the ethics of care, moving beyond biological definitions and institutionalised concepts of motherhood.

Drawing on disciplines including social and cultural studies, art history, contemporary art criticism, philosophy, and multiple strands of psychology, the project aims to connect and expand the community of maternal studies scholars across the 4EU+ Alliance. Planned activities include joint publications in academic journals, preparation of collaborative monographs and special issues, and the organisation of art exhibitions and conferences. Long-term goals include creating a sustainable international research community and integrating the values of care and inclusion into both academic practice and public discourse.

In 2025–2026, the project team will take part in the International Association of Maternal Action and Scholarship conference, develop a European Research Council grant proposal, and prepare a special journal issue on mothering practices in contemporary culture. It will also launch a dedicated REMS website and logo, host roundtable discussions in Prague and Warsaw, and deliver public lectures. These activities will strengthen cooperation between participating universities and build the foundations for a globally connected field of maternal studies.