What concept represents the idea that mothers should raise children to be good citizens?

The concept that represents the idea that mothers should raise children to be good citizens is known as Republican motherhood. This ideology emerged in the late 18th century and was particularly prevalent during and after the American Revolutionary War. It emphasized the important role of women, specifically mothers, in educating their children to uphold republican values and civic virtue.

Republican motherhood suggested that women had a unique role in the moral and political education of their children, thereby contributing to the health of the republic. This notion became a way to acknowledge women's contributions to society, as they were seen as essential in shaping the character and values of future citizens, particularly in a democratic society where informed and virtuous citizens were crucial for the success of the nation.

In contrast, maternal ethics focuses more on the moral responsibilities of mothers in nurturing their children but does not specifically emphasize civic education as part of those duties. The cult of domesticity, while it highlights women's roles in the home and family life during the 19th century, does not center around the idea of raising children to be good citizens in the context of a republic. Public education refers to the system of schooling available to the public and does not specifically relate to the influence of mothers in the upbringing of citizens.