The Village Effect: Raising Children Together
Throughout history, women have relied on communal systems to share the responsibility of raising children. From tight-knit villages to extended family networks, collective childcare was not just a practical solution but an essential pillar of women's emotional wellbeing. In contrast, the shift to more isolated forms of parenting in modern society has profound implications for maternal mental health.
A History of Shared Responsibility
In the UK, communal approaches to childcare were common in both rural and urban communities. The concept of 'it takes a village to raise a child' was deeply ingrained, with extended families, neighbours, and friends all playing a role in supporting mothers. Women worked together, sharing both the physical and emotional load of raising children.
During the Second World War, the introduction of state-funded nurseries enabled women to contribute to the war effort while their children were cared for collectively. These nurseries not only provided practical help but created supportive networks where mothers could bond and share experiences. However, these services largely disappeared after the war, leaving many mothers without the same level of community support (National Archives, 2023).
The Impact of Isolation
In today's world, mothers often find themselves parenting alone or with very little help. Research shows that women are disproportionately responsible for childcare and household duties, even when working full-time. This 'double burden' contributes significantly to maternal mental health issues. According to the Maternal Mental Health Alliance, around one in five women in the UK experience a mental health problem during pregnancy or in the first year after giving birth — a figure that is exacerbated by lack of social support (MMHA, 2024).
The erosion of community-based support networks has left many mothers feeling isolated and overwhelmed. A recent survey by the parenting charity Mumsnet found that 60% of mothers reported feeling lonely 'often' or 'all the time' (Mumsnet, 2024). This loneliness not only affects mental wellbeing but can have long-term consequences on both mothers and their children.
Why Community Matters
Studies have consistently shown that strong social networks improve maternal mental health. A report by the NCT found that women who attended mother-and-baby groups were less likely to experience postnatal depression, with peer support playing a vital role in their recovery (NCT, 2023).
Communal childcare not only reduces the mental load on mothers but fosters deeper connections between women, creating a sense of belonging. The benefits of this kind of support extend beyond mental health — children raised in community environments often benefit from increased socialisation, more diverse role models, and stronger emotional development.
Reclaiming the Village in Modern Life
While the social structures of the past may no longer be the norm, there are ways to recreate a sense of community in today's world:
Parenting Circles: Small groups of local parents offering practical help and emotional support to one another.
Childcare Co-ops: Shared childcare arrangements where parents take turns looking after each other's children.
Online Communities: Virtual networks that offer peer support and connection, particularly for those without local family or friends.
Community Projects: Initiatives like playgroups and family hubs that create opportunities for women to meet and support each other.
By reconnecting with the principles of collective care, women can begin to rebuild the village effect — not just to ease the burden of parenting but to nourish their own emotional wellbeing.
In a world where women are increasingly expected to 'do it all' alone, rediscovering the power of community could be one of the most radical acts of self-care.