Kathoey mothers: Experiences of transgender women becoming a mother under the capitalist patriarchy in Thai society

Abstract

This study aims to explore the experiences of transgender mothers as they navigate the complexities of embracing motherhood within a capitalist patriarchy in Thai society. The study focuses on Bowling and Richy, two middle-class transgender women commonly identified as kathoey, who are currently in their working years. Employing feminist narrative research techniques, including in-depth online interviews, this study uncovers the challenges that kathoey mothers face in defining their maternal identities amidst societal pressures, feelings of alienation, and uncertainties. They embrace a form of patriarchal mothering to grapple with patriarchal expectations, as a means to negotiate societal norms and achieve authentic motherhood. Concurrently, they strive to be empowered mothering while also aspiring to fully cater to their children’s needs based on their social and economic status. These case studies highlight that authentic maternal instincts can exist within the male bodies of transgender women. Furthermore, this journey underscores the importance of fulfilling their maternal roles and paves the way for new paradigms of motherhood in the future. These experiences are profoundly influenced by the complex social, economic, and class dynamics of capitalist patriarchy.