En esta investigación cualitativa, constructivista, con enfoque fenomenológico yperspectiva de género, se indagaron, en dieciocho adolescentes entre 15 y 19 años, de sectores medios y populares, significados atribuidos a la feminidad, maternidad y crianza de hijas e hijos. Todas anhelaban equidad; se aferraban de atribuciones conservadoras; feminidad y maternidad emergieron interrelacionadas, la madre y maternidad idealizadas fueron referentes en la conformación de identidades frente a hombres enaltecidos. Esta madre transmitió a sus hijas el ser mujer para los otros. Características del eterno femenino se integran en la personalidad como formas de sumisión; se postergan necesidades que de lograrse será con mayor esfuerzo que el exigido al hombre. Está emergiendo una mujer que rechaza la subordinación y la violencia del patriarcado.Meanings of femininity, motherhood and upbringing in Venezuelan adolescents from two socioeconomic contexts of CaracasAbstractIn this qualitative constructivist research, through a phenomenological approach and under a gender perspective, eighteen adolescents aged 15 to 19 from middle and low-income sectors were questioned about the meanings of femininity, motherhood and upbringing of children. All yearned for equity; they clung to conservative attributions; femininity and motherhood emerged interrelated, and the idealized mother and motherhood were referents in the conformation of identities in front of aggrandized men. This mother transmitted to her daughters the being a woman for the others. Characteristics of the eternal feminine are integrated into the personality as forms of submission; needs are postponed that, if accomplished, will have to achieved with more effort than the required to men. A woman who rejects the subordination and violence of the patriarchy is emerging.