Doing It All

The Social Power of Single Motherhood
A feminist exploration of single motherhood and a passionate call to reclaim the power of mothering.

'With courage, compassion and generosity, Russell presents an intersectional history which honours single motherhood in all its complexity . Bold, revelatory and a joy to read' Elinor Cleghorn, author of Unwell Women

'Lucid and liberating' Eliane Glaser, author of Motherhood: A Manifesto

Nearly a quarter of UK families with dependent children are single-parent families, and around 90% of single parents are women. Yet the single mother is still cast as victim or welfare queen, sexually irresponsible or too independent by half.

Tracing a history through Victorian brothels, welfare rights activism and Black feminist traditions of othermothering, Ruby Russell tells a different story: of motherhood defined not by marriage or men, but as a nexus of solidarity beyond the patriarchal status quo.

A personal quest for empowerment, Doing It All is also a fierce critique of the structures that leave single mums marginalised and exhausted - and a call to reclaim mothering as the life force of sustainable, connected and radically responsible communities.

'A riveting memoir-cum-cri-de-cœur-cum-manifesto for envisioning motherhood anew' Kirsten Swinth, author of Feminism's Forgotten Fight

Contributor: Priscilla Layne (Translated by)

Translator: Priscilla Layne

UK Delivery:

• Free delivery on all orders of £10 or more.
• £1.49 delivery fee on orders below £10.
• UK orders are shipped via Royal Mail 2nd Class.

International Delivery:

• Flat rate delivery charges vary by country.

Dispatch and Delivery Times:

• All orders are shipped from our warehouse in Northampton, UK within 48 hours of receipt during working hours.
• UK mainland orders typically arrive within 3-5 working days via Royal Mail 2nd Class.
• International estimated delivery times:
• Europe & Channel Islands: 7 to 10 working days
• USA: 7 to 15 working days
• Rest of the World: 9 to 21 working days

View our full delivery infomation here.