Matriarchs of Horror

Horror's Long History of Villainizing Single Mothers

July 28, 2026·38 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Hello, Matriarchs! Single mothers have long occupied a complicated place in horror, often portrayed as unstable or even monstrous. In this new episode, I unpack the history of the "single mom" trope, exploring how the genre has used motherhood and societal fears to shape some of its most memorable characters.Later I'm joined by author Emma Cleary to discuss her creepy debut novel, After Birth. We dive into postpartum horror, the pressures of modern motherhood, and why maternal fears make such fertile ground for the genre. See what I did there?! Whether you're a horror fan or just fascinated by the cultural anxieties horror reflects back at us, this episode is for you.

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