otherhood

USAGE SUMMARY

"otherhood" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is an informal noun and can be used to refer to a group of people who are affiliated by something other than their basic identity characteristic, such as gender or race. For example: "The otherhood of stay-at-home mothers convened to discuss their concerns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

I have to find peace in my Otherhood.

Huffington Post

The Otherhood I thought I had come to terms with before the big scare.

Huffington Post

Excerpted from Otherhood: Modern Women Finding a New Kind of Happiness, by Melanie Notkin.

Huffington Post

In my upcoming book, Otherhood (Seal Press / Penguin Canada, early 2014), I look at the unrequited love story of our generation.

Huffington Post

And while we are alone in the sense that we have no romantic partner, Eric Klinenberg isn't worried about women like me or my friends in the Otherhood.

Huffington Post

I asked Eric about the women of the Otherhood who don't have a partner and/or children and are concerned about ending up alone.

Huffington Post

In research for my book, Otherhood: Modern Women Finding a New Kind of Happiness, I spoke with Eric Klinenberg, Professor of Sociology and Director of the Institute for Public Knowledge at New York University.

Huffington Post

Melanie Notkin's second book, Otherhood: Modern Women Finding a New Kind of Happiness, lightly based on some of her posts here on Huffington Post Women, will be released in early 2014 by Seal Press and Penguin Canada.

Huffington Post

In the Otherhood, the term I introduced in my book of the same name for those who aren't part of the expected social norm of marriage and motherhood, whether by choice, or like me, by circumstance, our friendships are key.

Huffington Post

For those in the Otherhood, those whose hearts break to be mothers, those who feel misunderstood and sidelined by those who assume their childlessness is due a lack of desire for children or a lack of maternal (and paternal) yearnings, there is a fallacy that must be overturned.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Under the common law, see Lord Simon of Glaisdale's statement that "[m]otherhood, although also a legal relationship, is based on a fact, being proved demonstrably by parturition", in The Ampthill Peerage Case [1977] AC 547, 577.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the term "otherhood," provide context to clarify the specific type of 'otherness' you are referencing to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "otherhood" as a blanket term for all types of differences. The term is most effective when referring to specific social or familial contexts.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "otherhood" is as a noun, referring to the state or quality of being 'other'. It often denotes a collective identity or community formed around shared experiences of not conforming to mainstream societal norms. As Ludwig AI highlights, it relates to those outside expected marriage and motherhood norms.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "otherhood" functions as a noun describing the state of being different, particularly in relation to societal expectations around marriage and parenthood. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, primarily within informal contexts. It fosters a sense of community among those who don't fit traditional norms. While "otherhood" is mainly found in News & Media sources like the Huffington Post, it represents a growing recognition and validation of diverse life paths, fostering a sense of belonging and shared identity among individuals who may otherwise feel marginalized or misunderstood. Alternatives include "non-traditional family" or "alternative lifestyle", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

experience of otherness

Emphasizes the subjective feeling of being different or alien.

outsider status

Refers to the position of not belonging to a particular group or society.

status of being an outsider

Focuses on the position of not belonging to a particular group or society.

state of being different

Focuses on the general condition of being distinct or dissimilar.

sense of alienation

Emphasizes the subjective feeling of being isolated and estranged.

alternative social group

Suggests a community that exists outside mainstream society.

condition of marginalization

Highlights the experience of being excluded or treated as less significant.

differentiated existence

Focuses on the general condition of living a distinct or dissimilar experience.

non-conformity

Stresses the act of not adhering to established norms or standards.

unconventional lifestyle

Highlights a way of living that deviates from typical societal expectations.

FAQs

How can I use "otherhood" in a sentence?

You can use "otherhood" to describe the experience of individuals or groups who don't conform to traditional norms, especially regarding family and relationships. For example, "She found solace and community in her "otherhood", connecting with others who shared her experiences of not being a parent."

What's the difference between "otherness" and "otherhood"?

"Otherness" is a general term for the state of being different. "Otherhood", as used in the examples, refers more specifically to the experience and community of those who don't fit traditional societal expectations, particularly around marriage and parenthood.

Are there alternative terms for "otherhood" that I could use?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "non-traditional family", "alternative lifestyle", or "unconventional community" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "otherhood" a widely accepted term?

"Otherhood" is not a formal or universally recognized term, but it has gained traction in certain circles, particularly within media and discussions about societal norms. Its acceptance depends on the audience and context.