1.   But the families had branches and gradations of perceived quality, often depending on whether the maternal figures had been wives or concubines.

2.   Lakins is a reassuring maternal figure, an enemy of defeatism shepherding dozens of working-poor parents, the vast majority of them women.

3.   She was also a maternal figure in a country whose Hindi-speaking people call it Bharat Mata, or Mother India.

4.   They were bulbous, archetypal maternal figures like Mexican pinatas painted in bold colors and decorated with crisp, cartoon outlines.

5.   With these other maternal figures, he can be a youthful companion, a dutiful son or even on occasion a rebellious boy.

6.   The biggest threat to gender equality, unfortunately, shows up worst in most maternal figures.