Abstract
Through decades of familiarity with feminism, Psychoanalysis suffered important critics about the supposition of the paternal figure as central axis of its subjective constitution theory. Maternalism, by other hand, shows itself as a post-Freudian lead that takes maternal care as a theoretical and practical model par excellence. However, endorsing a feminist perspective, the centralization of maternity also presents serious risks, for it connects directly to power and domination relations that contribute for the circulation of women in the domestic reign. Donald W. Winnicott, important British psychoanalyst and exponent of maternalism, establishes the almost exclusivity of children care wielded by women. Although the discussion about the theme has increased in the last years, the critical questioning about the paternity role in Winnicott is still rare. From the psychoanalytical method proposed by Jean Laplanche articulated to the normative function of gender discourses, as formulated by Judith Butler, we analyze two Winnicottian arguments about maternity. It was possible to highlight the reaffirmation of gender hierarchy in babies care made through essentializing resources. Helplessness originated from the care situation showed to be one of the justifications for excluding men from this position.
Maternity; Paternity; Winnicott; Gender; Psychoanalysis