THE STATUS AND SOCIAL VALUE OF MOTHERS IN UZBEK MENTALITY

Abstract

In Uzbek society the figure of the mother has a unique, high moral and emotional status, which goes well beyond biological motherhood. She is widely seen as not only the primary caregiver, but also as the spiritual center of the family, the carrier of the family's cultural memory, and the guardian of the family's ethical values. This article examines the place of the mother in the Uzbek mentality by focusing on the narratives in their culture, the social expectations of mothers, and the daily family practices. Drawing on the sociocultural analysis, as well as the existing scholarly discussions on family structure in Central Asia, the study emphasizes the profound respect associated with motherhood, in both symbolic and practical terms. At the same time, it considers how the process of modernization, women's education, and economic participation are gradually changing the perception of traditional perceptions. The findings suggest that although the reverence for mothers remains strong, the definition of maternal status is shifting from purely sacrificial devotion toward a more balanced definition, which includes personal agency and social participation. The article adds to the discussion on gender, culture, and family by providing a context-sensitive interpretation of motherhood in modern-day Uzbekistan.